The Scientific Reason You Blush When You're Attracted To Someone

When you're attracted to someone, blood rushes to your face, causing you to blush. According to Psychology Today, it's an emotional response that causes your body to release adrenaline, and that causes your veins to dilate. Due to this reaction, blood comes closer to the surface of your skin, and suddenly, you find yourself a little red-cheeked. 

You also blush when you're embarrassed. It's a fight or flight response, and it's noticeable for a reason. When you blush, you are communicating to those around you that you feel sorry. It might be a way for you to avoid a fight because others see your remorse. Blushing, then, is your way of communicating that you don't want to fight (via Santa Clara University). It's the same way a canine will show its belly or a rabbit will crouch down when they think they are in danger. They are showing that they'd rather not fight and are communicating to the threat that if they retreat they will also walk away. Humans don't roll over and show their bellies, though — they get flush-faced instead.

Blushing is showing your crush you're attracted to them

You might feel like hiding your face when you blush, but it might be important not to. If you're feeling embarrassed or sorry for something, blushing can help you show your remorse. If you're blushing because you're attracted to someone, though, it has an added benefit — you can show that person what you're feeling. When you look at someone you're attracted to, you might feel some nervousness. This triggers the nervous system's response to release the hormone adrenaline, causing your veins to widen, bringing blood flow closer to the skin in your face. 

A study published by the American Psychological Association studied how people react to others who are blushing. They showed participants photos of some people blushing and some not. They were then asked to check off certain qualities they think these people had, and the people who were blushing were always judged more favorably. 

So, when you like someone, you might find yourself blushing, which might not be a bad thing after all.