Do your partner and kids get enough oxytocin?

Oxytocin is the brain chemical most associated with long-term happiness in safe relationships.

It is famous for being released in massive doses during childbirth, nursing, or sex. It is important to maximize oxytocin in loved ones by giving hugs, holding hands, or sitting beside each other with arms or legs touching.

Early in romantic relationships, both partners flood each other with oxytocin with lots of non-sexual touching. One theory on why romantic relationships start to fray over time is that they reduce this touching, and both partners become starved for oxytocin.

Thinking and talking about the importance of oxytocin with your loved ones is essential. This is an easy way to drastically increase the long-term well-being of our partner and child.