No one really puts that much
thought to one single molecule. Maybe its time to take one molecule - in
particular - more seriously. The chemical messenger “oxytocin” has been
scientifically proven to act as the headquarters of our morals. Oxytocin seems
to be the chemical elixir that builds bonds of trust in your everyday life.
This little molecule explains why some of us are nicer, generous, or more
intimate.
Oxytocin is firstly known as a
female reproductive hormone. Even though it is responsible for contractions
during labor, it is also responsible for that really nice and comforting
feeling you get when you are getting a massage, or even something as simple as
a hug.
Multiple scientific studies have
been done with oxytocin. The findings show that he or she who is given high
does of oxytocin become more generous and caring, even with complete strangers.
Don’t worry though! There are many other ways to become more caring than
shooting oxytocin into your system. It’s quite simple! For instance, you just
have to show someone a form of trust. Like a hug or lending money to someone.
In return, the person being trusted experiences a surge in oxytocin that makes
them more content. However, it does have some flaws. From experience, you know
that giving someone a hug doesn’t instantly make you a more genuine person.
What it does is it helps balance our behavior based on trust and distrust. It
points you in the direction of social openness. Who knew that one single
molecule could play such a big role in our everyday lives.
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