Now hear this

Vegetarian Times, Feb, 2002

Thinking of finally whispering "I love you" to your honey this Valentine's Day? If you want your declaration to make a lasting impression, aim for the left ear.

In a small but intriguing study conducted at Sam Houston State University in Texas, psychologists found that people are more likely to remember words steeped in emotion--like love--if heard through their left ear. Wearing headphones, the 62 mate and female volunteers heard different words broadcast into each ear. Some were emotional, such as "sweetheart"; others weren't, such as "easy chair." The listeners remembered 64 percent of the emotional words heard in the left ear, versus only 57 percent of those heard in the right ear. The results are consistent with how our brains function: The left ear is controlled by the right side of the brain, which is responsible for processing emotions.

Just a little something to keep in mind when you're in the mood for love.