A hundred years ago, if you had a child out of marriage, you'd be a social disgrace. Today women feel comfortable enough economically and culturally to bring up a child without a recognized commitment from a man.

— Helen Fisher

A lot of people head into courtship looking for fireworks. Don't pass up a chance by dumping someone after a first date because you don't feel the fireworks. The fireworks can happen at any time and be maintained.

— Helen Fisher

Anthropologists have found evidence of romantic love in 170 societies. They've never found a society that did not have it.

— Helen Fisher

Any kind of novelty or excitement drives up dopamine in the brain, and dopamine is associated with romantic love.

— Helen Fisher

A Rolex watch or an expensive car are the things guys often use to show status, wealth, and basic desirability.

— Helen Fisher

Blushing is thought to be linked to increased levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which may be associated with romantic feelings. It signals that we are interested and excited, which is attractive to men.

— Helen Fisher

Both sexes like the exercise and challenge of sports, but for men it's also a basic display behavior for impressing and winning a mate.

— Helen Fisher

Despite the myth that men are less committed, they are predisposed to desire marriage.

— Helen Fisher

Games are the way we keep romance alive. They're based in human hard wiring. Playing hard-to-get or leaving a little to the imagination allows the woman to be wooed and appreciated and the man to be challenged and intrigued.

— Helen Fisher

If two very different people pool their DNA, they'll create more genetic variety, and their young will come to the job of parenting with a wider array of skills.

— Helen Fisher