The Wall Street Journal-20080214-Love-s Chemistry Remains An Enduring Mystery

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Love's Chemistry Remains An Enduring Mystery

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As a biochemist, I am always intrigued by neurobiological analyses, especially when it comes to "diagnosing" why certain couples are still so much in love ("Keeping Love Alive," Weekend Journal, Feb. 8). Of course, these magnetic-resonance imaging studies just prove that there is a brain activity associated with those warm and deep feelings, but they can't explain why. May I suggest that it is a daily choice to love, rather than the romanticized view of having to always "feel" in love, that will keep a marriage alive and thriving? Ah, l'amour!

John Humphreys

Doylestown, Pa.

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We thought our hearts were responsible for our 53-year love and deep passion. But your article says it's our brains that are responsible. Thank you for setting us straight.

Naomi and Mike Zucker

Georgetown, Texas

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My wife and I were married on Valentine's Day 1971. I am turning 70 years old in March, and frequently each day I will kiss her and whisper "I love you." My heart literally skips a beat, and I become breathless. I thank God each day for being blessed with her love.

Each year we are told by the children that "anyone can fake it for 36 years, but can you sustain it?" This note is a paean to my Valentine. I will try to "fake it" for another year.

John Christopher Kotelly

Arlington, Mass.