how your body reacts to lust

> You spot a hot stranger, and before you can even say hello, your brain has processed his voice, face and pheromones (the less like you he smells, the more aroused you'll become).

> Your brain's ventral tegmental area lights up and begins churning out dopamine, the same chemical responsible for feelings of elation (and the addictive high that comes with certain drugs).

> At the same time, the areas of your mind that handle negative emotions are suppressed, allowing his irritating habits to go virtually unnoticed.

> If you're ovulating, you may be drawn to more masculine traits like a chiselled jaw line or deep voice. If you have your period, a guy with softer, more feminine features is more appealing.

> The spot deep in your brain that deals with memories is recording his every move and feature, subtly comparing him with past loves. Cue: "He looks just like my first crush…"