The perception of time when in love

Losing track of time when in love stems from a neurochemical cocktail (dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin) that creates euphoria, sharpens focus on the partner, and activates the brain’s reward system. This intense engagement feels like a “flow state,” with emotional connection taking priority over timekeeping, so hours blur into minutes. Elevated dopamine, linked to reward and pleasure, speeds up the internal clock, making external time seem to pass more quickly. Intense romantic love also engages brain regions that narrow attention, reducing awareness of the surrounding environment. In the early, high-emotion stages, activity in areas responsible for rational thinking, time orientation, and self-reflection can wane. The result is a state of deep, satisfying immersion where the line between self and surroundings fades. Essentially, the brain fixates on the pleasure of love, to the point that it stops tracking the objective passage of time.

Materials and technique: Cotton fabric, poly thread, cotton batting, printmaking inks, embroidery floss. Monoprint on fabric, machine quilted, thread drawing, hand embroidery.