Would you say you’re naturally good at reading people?
Some people just seem to get others.
They pick up on emotions, sense when something’s off, and know exactly how to respond.
They build strong relationships effortlessly, whether in friendships, family, or even professional settings.
For a long time, I thought empathy and social connection was purely a learned skill—something you develop through experience, active listening, and emotional intelligence.
And while those things certainly help, science suggests there’s something deeper at play.
Your ability to connect with others on a profound level might actually be influenced by your DNA.
I usually joke that I won the genetic lottery of bad genes, but I can (finally) say that, for once, my genes actually help me with this.
Empathy, Oxytocin and the OXTR Gene
Oxytocin, sometimes called the love hormone, is vital for social bonding and empathy.
The more oxytocin we have and the more active our oxytocin receptors are, the more likely we are to feel for others and to respond with altruism and generosity.
The OXTR gene provides instructions for making receptors that oxytocin latches onto.
When oxytocin latches onto these receptors, it signals our brain to amplify feelings of trust, empathy, and social bonding. It’s like flipping a switch that lights up our emotional world, enabling us to connect with others on a profound level.
There are a few SNPs of the OXTR gene that decrease the number of oxytocin receptors you have available, and also how well they function – leading you to become less empathetic.
I’m generally known to be an empathetic person, and my genes reflect that.
If you have low oxytocin levels, it’s best to look at the recommendations to increase oxytocin so that you can develop empathy that will lead to healthier personal and professional relationships.
The recommendations for you might include probiotics or orange blossom aromatherapy, but there are a total of 30+ recommendations that can help increase oxytocin levels, all prioritized in the SelfDecode report.
Dopamine, Social Reward, and the DRD2 Gene
While oxytocin plays a big role in trust and empathy, dopamine – the neurotransmitter often associated with motivation and pleasure – is also a key player in social bonding.
When we connect with others, share a laugh, or feel accepted, dopamine surges in our brain, reinforcing the desire to seek out more social connections.
One gene that influences this process is DRD2, which codes for dopamine receptors in the brain.
The DRD2 gene affects how efficiently your brain processes dopamine, particularly in response to rewarding experiences, including social interactions.
This means that – if you carry the negative variant – while socializing might still be enjoyable, it may not provide the same intrinsic motivation or boost as it does for others.
On the other hand, those with more efficient DRD2 receptors may feel naturally drawn to social engagement, thriving on connection and interaction.
The good news? If your dopamine response to social bonding isn’t naturally strong, there are ways to optimize dopamine activity and enhance social reward sensitivity—ranging from specific nutrients to mindfulness practices.