Am I in love? Many people are wondering how to find a definite answer to this personal question. Love has been defined in different ways by many cultures and backgrounds. Scientists have found a way to help solve this mystery with a systematic answer.

A study by a group of researchers led by anthropologist Helen Fisher from Rutgers University found that brain activities change whenever a person is "in love." There are different signs that show the scientific basis of love. Here are some of them:

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A person's love interest becomes "too special" when an individual is in love. It means that there will be no other person that can catch an in-loved person's attention than his or her beloved. It was found that this single-mindedness is the result of an elevated surge of a brain chemical called central dopamine.

The scientists also found that a person in love tends to see his or her special someone as perfect. This results in overlooking weaknesses and focusing on strengths. Aside from dopamine levels increasing, this brain activity also experiences an increase of norepinephrine, a brain chemical which is responsible for increased memory.

A person in love also tends to feel addicted to his or her beloved. Researchers have observed that a person in love experiences mood swings and physical fluctuations - similar to a person addicted to drugs - whenever he or she thinks about that special girl or boy.

Obsession and emotional dependency also happen to a person. The obsession is a result of decreased levels of serotonin. Emotional dependency is also evident if a person feels separation anxiety, jealousy, and possessiveness.

A person may also be inclined to overcome obstacles as the brain reacts with dopamine-producing neurons whenever a certain reward is delayed, thus making a person more productive whenever the "love" is challenged.