It’s that time of year.

I know it’s that time of year (every year) because of the enraptured bald eagle exhibitionists getting it on in the tree across from my kitchen window. And then there are all the other creatures that soon follow: the otters, hummingbirds, mallards, Canada geese (true assholes), beavers, and coyotes. Recently there were even some high schoolers.

Perhaps I should explain. I live in a strange juxtoposition of contradictions. My appartment backs on to protected wetlands with all sorts of wildlife who (mostly) fly into breed. The hummingbirds are currently chasing pieces of cat hair and fluff from my balcony as they build their nests. In a few months, the adorable mini-fluffs will all make themselves known as they leave their dens and patrol the pond.

Then there is the other mammal that frequents this picturesque nature preserve for spring-minded activities. The high school variety.

Yes, the nature preserve, and all its pathways and not in any way hidden nooks, also backs onto a high school.

TL;DR: Apparently everything is determined to fuck in my backyard this year, in sight of my living room window no less.

Now, in the recent high schooler’s defence, I am absolutely positive they didn’t think anyone could see them (a lot of people could, it wasn’t just me, there was talk in the mailroom the next day). More importantly, I suspect they headed for the forest so that they wouldn’t be seen by anyone – classmates, parents, grandparents (yes, this building is home to some of those same high school student’s grandparents). However, their desire (see what I did there?) to procreate led to some questionable decisions. Those same kinds of hormones and shift in season that make all the birds, furry aquatic mammals, and fish beeline to the nightclub of the animal world that is my backyard, also wreck their chaotic designs on the hapless teenagers (perhaps it’s contagious on a quantum level?) leading them not just to procreation but to a spectacularly bad choice in location.

Yeah. You two. Don’t think I don’t know what you eagle exhibitionists are up to…

So, in the spirit of spring, romance, and how to create conflict in romance (or romantic plot lines) I want to talk about bad decisions and all the wonderful hormones that cause them! Knowing the science behind what makes people want to ‘discovery channel it’ in public makes writing our enamoured character (and their poor choices) all that more believable.

You name it, if it breeds, it’s probably trying to screw outside my window.

Big Question: Do my various exhibitionists have any control over themselves?

That’s a sliding scale. In some cases, not really.

Most animals have a trifecta of things working against them in spring. Let’s take a very simplified look.

Hormone Pathways Rule the World

Longer days kick things off by stimulating the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) to release a couple of hormones: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It’s these later two that drive release and production of the sex steroids: testosterone (males) and estrogen (females).

Elevated sex steroids do two things very, very well: promote gamete production (fancy science term for sperm and eggs) and – importantly for our wayward teens and exhibitionist eagles – change our behaviour on a biochemical level – specifically mate seeking courtship rituals, desire and inclination to mate, and propensity for aggression and territorial displays

We see it everywhere, especially with birds; the dancing, singing, chasing.

Around mating season, loons will dance across the lake to attract a mate. I’m sure we’ve all seen teenagers in the grips of hormones behaving like loons.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, the receptors for our wonderful sex steroids are being unregulated, all the better to amplify these signals. But these unregulated receptors can also trigger another well trod behaviour: nesting, and not just the birds. Progesterone receptor (PR) up-regulation primes post-mating parental behaviour.

Why Are So Many Prone to Making Bad Decisions When in Love?

Our sex hormones play a huge role in shaping our romantic feelings. Attraction, bonding, and attachment are all influenced (note, not controlled) by the neurotransmitters and down stream cascade of hormones estrogen and testosterone release.

Our phases of love are well known as well, partially because of how affiliated with biological markers they are. Attraction, Infatuation, and Attachment. Let’s get to know the players behind our good (and bad) decisions, shall we?

The Phase of Love Hormones and Neurotransmitters

Dopamine (The Pleasure Hormone - Attraction and Infatuation))

A neurotransmitter and hormone associated with pleasure and reward. It drives the excitement and euphoria of early romantic attraction by reinforcing the desire to pursue a partner. This hormone is responsible for the rush of infatuation and drives us to seek repeated interactions.

Serotonin (The Obsession Hormone - Attraction and Infatuation)
- During early stages of love, serotonin (another neurotransmitter and hormone) levels drop, which can lead to obsessive thoughts about a partner. Over time, as relationships stabilize, serotonin levels normalize, promoting emotional balance and contentment. And perhaps triggering many of those ‘out of love’ rethinks?
Cortisol (The Stress Hormone - Attraction and Infatuation)
- Cortisol levels rise during the initial stages of falling in love due to the "stressful" excitement of forming a new bond. This heightened state helps individuals focus on their partner but can be unpleasant. Luckily, they normalizes as relationships progress.
Oxytocin (The Love Hormone - Attachment Phase)

Released during physical intimacy (hugging, contact, sex) to strengthen pair-bonding in the animal kingdom. Promotes feelings of trust, bonding, and emotional closeness and fosters positive communication and empathy.

Vasopressin (The Commitment Hormone - Attachment Phase)

Vasopressin is associated with long-term commitment and monogamous behavior. It plays a role in maintaining stable pair bonds over time. Do your lovers stay loving? This hormone is involved.

Bringing Things Back to Writing

How does all this round back to romance and writing? Well, understanding the biological sources of these behaviours gives us a guideline of what should be happening.

For example, do your love interests have difficulty keeping their hands off each other? Do they make poor decisions when it comes to mating and courtship rituals? Do they perhaps display a varying level of agression? Overlook the faults of a partner they’re in the initial throes of infatuation with? Once the deed is done, do your romantically inclined characters shift behaviour towards nesting? They should if the hormonal wave they’re on has been a good one.

Next week? It’s time to talk about some sci-fi. Perhaps the amazing slime mold. Let me know if there’s a specific science of genre topic you’d like me to cover!

The Science of Romance: Young, in Love, and Enthralled by Biochem!