Few experiences rival the sensation of seeing someone special smile. It's a moment that can make hearts flutter and stomachs churn with excitement. But what exactly happens to our hearts when we're struck by such infatuation?

The sensation of "butterflies in the stomach" is more than just a figure of speech; it's a physical reaction triggered by the brain in response to emotional stimuli. When we see someone we're attracted to smiling, the brain releases a cascade of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline.

Dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, floods the brain's reward system, producing feelings of pleasure and reinforcing the behavior that triggered its release – in this case, seeing the smile of the person we're infatuated with.

Oxytocin, sometimes...