But first…

I’m counting down the days to my book’s publication date of June 10th. This summer it will available wherever books are sold.

If you haven’t ordered your copy, let me ask a big favor. Book sellers like Barnes and Noble look very carefully at preorders. So, it would be amazing if you could use the like below to preorder your copy today.

Preorders contribute to wider distribution and promotion. With your help we can spread more love and better relationships, and who doesn’t want that.

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Order Leaning Love Here

Now On To Today’s Topic

Have you ever wondered why those arguments and moments you feel offended seems so emotional and intense. There is a reason for that.

The brain’s response to emotional threats—like arguments, rejection, or criticism—can actually mirror its response to physical danger. This happens because emotional pain and physical pain activate overlapping neural networks, especially in areas like the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Here’s a breakdown:

The Brain's Threat Response System

1. Amygdala: The Alarm System

• The amygdala is a primitive part of the brain involved in detecting threats and triggering the fight, flight, or freezeresponse.

• Whether you’re being chased by a bear or in a heated argument, the amygdala doesn't distinguish much—it processes both as potential threats.

2. Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC): Where Pain Lives

• The ACC is involved in the emotional aspect of physical pain—how bad it feels.

• Research has shown that social exclusion, rejection, and verbal conflict light up the ACC just like a physical injury would.

• That’s why a breakup or a harsh argument can literally "hurt."

3. Prefrontal Cortex: The Regulator

• The prefrontal cortex helps regulate the emotional reaction and interpret whether a threat is real.

• But in moments of intense emotion or trauma, the amygdala can hijack the brain, and logic takes a back seat.

Why This Matters

• The body may react to emotional threats with physical symptoms: racing heart, sweaty palms, shallow breathing.

• Cortisol and adrenaline are released whether it’s a punch or a painful comment.

• Over time, chronic emotional stress can lead to inflammation, anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems.

Healing & Rewiring the Response

The good news is, we can train the brain to react differently. Techniques like:

• Mindfulness meditation (calms the amygdala)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (rewires thought patterns)

• Deep breathing (regulate the nervous system)

• Relax methods like sound therapies (stimulate relaxation and healing)

These practices restore balance and help us feel safer, even in emotionally charged situations.

Disagreements are inevitable but we don’t have to react as if it is an attack. Learn to calm your brain and your relationship will navigate those disagreements with ease.

For more on Dealing With Disagreements - Click here

And Remember… Pre-orders for my book Learning Love are now available. Visit www.markahicks.com for all the details

For insight on life, love, and relationships check out The Learning Love Podcast and my YouTube channel.

Love well, everyone.

Mark