Why it’s so hard to end long-term relationships as per science, therapist reveals

Oxytocin, the “love hormone,” floods from hugs, intimacy, shared glances—years of it in long-term love. Jeff calls withdrawal “cold turkey” on a neurochemical high. Hypothalamus-produced, it bonds you deeply; quitting feels like detox.Cravings hit hard—loneliness, shakes. Being physically close made it worse, and now being away makes it worse. To fight it, take care of yourself: exercise releases feel-good hormones, and platonic touch helps.Time rewires; new bonds form. You’re not weak—biology’s just playing catch-up.