The Biology of Bonding

After the early rush fades, lasting relationships shift to a different footing. The bonding hormones oxytocin and vasopressin replace the excitement chemicals with a calmer, deeper attachment.

To many people this feels like falling out of love, but it is really falling into a steadier form of it — a safe base rather than a breathless high. Knowing this prevents a common mistake: abandoning a good relationship just because the early high faded. The high was never the fuel. It was only the ignition.