Dopamine, serotonin, testosterone and estrogen guide our choices in love: Helen Fisher identifies 4 personality types to explain the link between brain chemistry and romantic relationships
Have you ever wondered why we choose certain people as partners? Helen Fishera biological anthropologist and luminary in the field of relationships, has discovered that our brain chemistry plays a fundamental role. According to Fisher, the neurotransmitters and hormones that drive our brains influence how we view love and compatibility.
His research identifies four main archetypal personality types: Explorer, Builder, Director and Mediator. Each of us has traits of each type, but one or two tend to dominate, shaping our choices in love. If you want to understand why certain partners attract you or why some relationships work better than others, keep reading: here’s a guide to discover which of these types dominates your personality and, perhaps, that of your better half too.
The explorer: the fascination of those who live for adventure
Are you curious, enthusiastic and always looking for new experiences? Then you could be a Explorerled by dopaminethe neurotransmitter that fuels the search for novelty and the desire for adventure. Explorers love living to the fullest, whether it’s exotic travel, extreme sports, or creative hobbies.
Helen Fisher describes Explorers as “risk takers and spontaneity lovers”. In love, they bring enthusiasm and creativity, but their constant desire for stimulation can make living with partners who love routine difficult. Not for nothing, Explorers work best with those who share their free spirit or with partners capable of balancing their impulsiveness, such as Builders or Mediators.
The builder: serenity and stability above all
If, however, you love routine, calm and security, you may belong to the type Builderinfluenced by serotoninthe neurotransmitter of balance and order. Builders are practical, organized and reliable people: not surprisingly, they are the pillars on which families and communities are founded.
In love, Builders do best in stable, long-term relationships. They show their affection with concrete gestures, such as planning a future together or creating a welcoming family environment. However, they may feel overwhelmed by more impulsive partners, such as Explorers. Their ideal compatibility? With other Builders or Mediators, who add a touch of empathy to their practicality.
The director: analytical mind and hidden heart
THE Directors are the result of high levels of testosteronewhich makes them analytical, decisive and goal-oriented. They love to plan, solve problems and achieve goals. In love, they seek partners with whom they can share a clear vision and intense intellectual stimulation.
However, Directors can appear detached or critical, especially with more emotional partners. This is why they often get along well with Mediators: their empathy balances the coldness of the Director, creating a deep and complementary connection.
The mediator: sensitivity and dreams guided by empathy
If your watchword is understanding, you might be a Mediatorinfluenced byestrogenthe hormone that fuels empathy, intuition and imagination. Mediators are idealists and dreamers, always ready to build sincere and deep connections.
Helen Fisher describes them as “poets and philosophers” of personality. They love communicating and sharing emotions, but their idealism can lead them to be disappointed if reality does not live up to expectations. They work great with Directors, who bring pragmatism to their romance, but must be careful not to lose themselves in an attempt to maintain harmony.
What do these personality types teach us?
This theory shows us that love is much more than a matter of the heart: our brain chemistry plays a crucial role. Finding out which type you belong to could help you understand yourself and your partner better, improving communication and connection.
