Loretta Graziano Breuning

Every happy-chemical spurt is quickly metabolized and you have to do more to get more. You can end up overdoing a happy habit to the point of unhappiness.

You can end up overdoing a happy habit to the point of unhappiness.

Each happy chemical triggers a different good feeling:

Dopamine produces the joy of finding things that meet your needs—the “Eureka! I got it!” feeling.
Endorphin produces oblivion that masks pain—often called euphoria.
Oxytocin produces the feeling of being safe with others—now called bonding.
Serotonin produces the feeling of being respected by others—pride.

FOUR HAPPY CHEMICALS
Dopamine: the joy of finding what you seek

Endorphin: the oblivion that masks pain

Oxytocin: the comfort of social alliances

Serotonin: the security of social importance

When your world is relatively free of physical pain, social pain gets your attention.