Dr. Helen Fisher, an anthropologist, has studied human love through a scientific framework. She has identified four love types based on the dominance of certain brain chemicals.

Talking Points:

  • Explorers are dominant in dopamine (think “spontaneity”). They are motivated and goal-oriented, often seeking a playmate in life. 
  • Builders are dominant in serotonin (think “stability”). They are planners and like to schedule things ahead of time. 
  • Directors are dominant in testosterone (think “focus”). They value logic and are not easily swayed by emotion. 
  • Negotiators are dominant in estrogen (think “sensitivity”). They have a vivid imagination and tend to daydream, often seeking a soul mate in life. 
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Do you believe in love at first sight or soul mates? Why or why not?
  3. Which love type do you most identify with and why? Take the test.
  4. Which love type would you say describes your partner? What characteristics of your partner makes your love match strong and healthy? What areas are challenging?
  5. How can being aware of the love types help you overcome your differences?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?