As a tribute to Valentine's day, let's take a deeper look into the psychology of love.
Every person alive has felt some type of love and this is certain, because love can be displayed in various forms. These forms usually come down to three domains which are displayed in the triangular theory of love, by Dr. Robert Sternberg, the first is emotional, then its commitment (cognitive) and lastly is passion (physical).
However these domains not only go for romantic love but also for familiar love and just liking a certain thing. There are 7 types of love for which the domains can be applied to; they will all be brought up below.
Friendships and love which is mainly emotional falls under the type, liking. This type of love is based on bonds built with time, which never evolve into passion not commitment. When there is both the commitment domain and the emotional domain it represents a relationship like best friends or family, this type is called companionate. Then there is the typical romantic love where there is both passion and emotional intimacy but it lacks commitment as there are seldom any long-term plans created in these kinds of relationships. When a relationship only has commitment but lacks both emotional intimacy and passion it is empty. Most people can relate to an empty relationship as this is how most relationships end. Another way relationships end is through the love type infatuation, where there is passion or physical attraction, but no commitment or emotional intimacy. This type should however not be confused with the fatuous which is a relationship driven by passion, but lacks emotional intimacy. The last type of love is the one most people see as “goals” ; it is the consummate love. This type has all the domains and balances them very well. Yet this love is the most difficult to obtain and will take time and patience.
This is the basics behind the relationships we form in life whether between family, friends, romantic partnerships or in some cases towards yourself, as self love is the basis for loving others. Valentine's day looks different for everyone but remember that there is always love somewhere in your life even in the least expected places.
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by Teodora DP22