Physical signs and symptoms When you are stressed by love, your body produces norepinephrine and adrenaline, the same chemicals that your body produces when you are threatened or in a crisis. You feel tight and frightened when you see or even think about the person you love. Your heart pounds, your palms sweat, and you may even have trouble breathing. These are all physical responses to showing your love for someone. Your body also releases hormones when you are in love. These include cortisol (which increases blood pressure and heart rate) and serotonin (which makes you happy). Love feels good and makes you feel positive about yourself and your world. It is believed that this feeling is what people call "being in love." Physical effects You will feel many physical effects if you are in love. You will likely feel anxious when you first meet because anxiety spreads love chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin through your body. This feeling of love and happiness will make you want to keep seeing your lover so you can continue to feel this way. You will also feel strong emotions when you are in love. If your love is returned, you will feel joy and excitement. If it isn't, you will feel pain and rejection. All of these emotions are physical too - they cause changes in your body that produce stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Love hurts because it is natural to be afraid when you are exposed to danger.