Other chemical occurrences that sunlight triggers within the body probably contribute to the summer-romance predilection as well. Studies show that testosterone, a hormone involved in our sex drive, hits a peak during the summer. Gives “hot summer nights” a whole new meaning, doesn’t it? And not only are people more lustful because of hormones, but they’re also more energetic. Light encourages serotonin production, the hormone that makes us feel happy and content, and discourages melatonin release, the sleep-inducing hormone. Basically, all this means that the surge of energy, the high spirits, and the heightened libido we experience on hot summer days (and nights) aren’t just figments of our imaginations. The seasonal bodily changes that take place create the perfect situation for our hearts to rule over our heads, if only for a few months.

The Adult’s Version of Summer Vacation
Hormonal fluctuations might be somewhat responsible for our obsession with summer love, but the societal obsession with summer in general plays a part, too. As schoolkids, we looked forward to those three months of vacation more than anything else because they represented unadulterated freedom and fun. Getting older means the loss of summer vacation, but we still hold on to the season’s affiliation with good times. It’s just that what constitutes a good time becomes more, um, mature as we get older as well. Adults tend to let their hair down during breaks; who doesn’t act a little wilder on vacation? We don’t get three months off anymore, but we still crave the temporary pause from real-world rules that summer vacation used to bring. Instead, we take the subsequent thrills where we can get them.

Plus, as you’ve no doubt noticed, high temperatures have an inverse effect on the amount of skin covered up by clothes. When the sun’s at its most potent, hemlines go up, sleeves become nonexistent, and our bodies sweat in response to the heat, thus releasing more pheromones—chemicals that prompt attraction—into the air than usual. See, it all goes back to the chemicals; clearly, summer love is a force beyond our control.

I suspect that the need to break free from monotonous everyday life when given a chance, combined with the sun’s stimulating effects on the hormones that fuel fervor and affection, is what makes summer ripe for flings and fleeting, passionate love affairs. It’s why movies like Grease and Dirty Dancing are so compelling and timeless. It’s why there’s an extra spring in our steps on particularly nice days. It’s why everyone around us seemingly falls in love at the drop of a hat around this time. And it’s why we have trouble concentrating at work, daydreaming about what summer nights might bring, instead of writing and researching story assignments. (Hypothetically speaking, of course.) I say it’s time to listen to our bodies and take summer by storm—so what are you doing reading this? Go forth into the sunshine and let your hormones guide you toward a summer love worthy of its own movie.

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