Hi friends – Here’s this week’s column, more on my conversation with Dr. Helen Fisher just in time for Valentine’s Day!

My column

You and your Valentine can take her personality/match test, one of the few I’ve seen based on the hormones/chemicals which tend to be dominant in certain personality types, in her new book Why Him, Why Her? Or, take it here:

Dr. Fisher’s “Love and Chemistry” Test

(Sure, take it with a grain of salt, but it’s fun. According to Fisher’s lights, I’m a builder/explorer, while my beau is likely an explorer/negotiator – who knew?)

Finally, one interesting connection I didn’t have room to get into in my column, but which she and I talked about at some length, and touched on in my radio show (below) on the same topic: Fisher believes that antidepressants, which in essence suppress dopamine, the “love” chemical, can have a very negative impact on feelings of romantic love. Sure, people on antidepressants fall in love all the time, after all antidepressants are commonly used in our country. Yes, many people need them to live whole lives. Some people need them to live life at all. But the (possible) connection she makes between antidepressants and a lowered ability to fully experience romantic love is something to be aware of if you or your loved one are on antidepressants. You can read more here:

Love and Antidepressants – Not a Good Chemical Reaction?

Well, wherever you are this Valentine’s Day – I hope you have a happy one!

Thanks for stopping by – Betsy

P.S. – This week on “It Takes a Parent,” I talk to Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of Veggie Tales. I hope you’ll tune in at noon Chicago Time, AM1160 WYLL, or www.wyll.com

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