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The Science of Love
October 17 @ 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Why do we fall in love? What is the science behind our choices, and how can we be happier? Does love have to be tortured and stressful, or is there a way to be balanced, and for our relationships to be long-lasting?
All these questions and more will be answered by expects in the science of love and relationships — Watkins authors Dr. Liat Yakir, Dr Tom Bellamy and Dr Janina Maschke. Chaired by psychotherapist Vikki Scott, they will explain the science behind attraction and relationships — providing their expertise on subjects ranging from how to recognise and move beyond toxic infatuation, to the challenges of dating with autism and ADHD, to the ways in which we can use build healthy relationships in an age of online dating. Join us for what promises to be a fascinating and enlightening discussion on love, lust and how to be happy in relationships.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr Tom Bellamy is a neuroscientist and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham. He has published over forty scientific papers, abstracts and book chapters about esoteric aspects of neurophysiology, and now writes about how these fundamental mechanisms can help us understand human behaviour. In 2017 he started the blog “Living with Limerence”, where “Dr L” offers practical guidance on coping with unwanted infatuation. Page views recently exceeded 3 million.
Smitten is an exploration of limerence — the intense longing for someone. Rooted in neuroscience, Dr Bellamy offers insight into the psychology of infatuation, how to recognize it, and how to move beyond it towards a healthier experience of love.
Dr. Liat Yakir is a biologist and researcher with a doctorate and post-doctorate in genetics and hormone research from the Weizmann Institute of Science. She is the author of A Brief History of Love: What Attracts Us, How We Fall in Love, and Why Biology Screws It All Up (Watkins 2024).
“Today, for the first time in human history, we have both knowledge and the freedom to choose the best love life for us. With or without monogamy, with or without starting a family. But this freedom presents us with new challenges. The multitude of choices in the digital dating world causes cognitive flooding and overcriticism. The biological clock that ticks differently in men and women causes frustration. In the environment of abundance in which we live – an abundance of resources and an abundance of temptations – there is no evolutionary advantage to monogamy for life, and the genes push for diversity and spreading risks. Therefore, in an age of singles saturated with technology, it is even more important to understand the science of love, what is behind our choices, how to choose correctly and how to preserve love over time.”
Dr Janina Maschke is the author of A Feminist’s Guide to ADHD: How women can thrive and find focus in a world built for men. As an experienced ADHD and Executive Functioning Coach, she is dedicated to empowering students and adults with ADHD. Her passion lies in unlocking their full potential and guiding them in various aspects of life, including academics, work, and personal pursuits. In this seminar she will be talking about how neurodivergence can impact romantic relationships.
Chaired by Vikki Scott (UKCP and BACP), a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist and Life Coach, as well as Senior Publicist at Watkins.
All tickets include a drink and a discount on the authors’ books, which will be available to buy on the night.
Ticket link below.