When talking about first love, everyone has a familiar face or name that automatically pops out on their head. It should be easy to remember who's your first love since they are somehow unforgettable (even I do). If it's imprinted on your brain and engraved on your heart, it's your first love. But why are they so impactful in your life because after God knows how many years, you still can't shake away memories of them out of your head? Is it because of the shock your body had from feeling the sweetness of love for the first time or is it something else?
 Ilustrasi cinta pertama/ Foto: Ron Lach - Pexels |
First love doesn't necessarily point to the person that you are first attracted to, but rather those that can make you feel, well, in love. First love is indeed unlike anything you've felt before when you got to experience mixes of feelings at one time. So, you may carry the memories with you throughout your life, especially when your first love has also contributed to some of your personal growth.
According to a cognitive-behavioral therapist for couples, Dr. Robin Buckley, when we are in love, the neurotransmitters such as oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin are activated. When this happens, the feel-good chemicals can cause us to feel euphoric and intense pleasurable feelings. And it's only plausible if we want to re-experience that first time again because our brains remember the neurochemical associated with that experience.
 First love/ Foto: Ron Lach/Pexels |
Furthermore, first loves are usually found in your youth, which is a simpler time that most people look upon fondly and long for. The memories during your adolescent years leave hormonal imprints as your neurological developments are in the process of forming your identity.
The blissful feeling of first love can never be forgotten nor replicated. Thus, it's reasonable that we chase the feeling again and again, even when perhaps the love wasn't reciprocal. That's one of the main reasons why it's so hard to get over your first love. So ask yourself, have you stopped loving your first love?
(HAI/MEL)