I’m not sure why I gave such an interesting post such a boring title, but that’s what this is about. Specifically, the University of California found that people experience a pain following a breakup that is remarkably similar to the pain they would feel if they experienced severe physical harm, like breaking a bone. We’re wired to avoid breaking up, to stay in relationships, and that pain signal is our bodies’ way of trying to steer us in that direction. It’s a very interesting idea and it certainly explains a lot. Does this mean that people shouldn’t break up? No. We know better than to stay in unhealthy or unfulfilling relationships, but that doesn’t mean leaving them is easy.

I should mention that this research is presented in a fun, easy to read comic. It’s definitely worth reading.