When we think of love, we think of many things. Love can be explained in three dimensions; intimacy, passion, and commitment. These three dimensions make up Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love. Intimacy is the mutuality of affection, welfare, concern and understanding that is demonstrated in a relationship. When intimacy is present in a relationship, both people care about the well-being of one another and understands each other. Passion, which can be often related to sexual attraction and desire, is the strong emotion, excitement, and physiological arousal that are demonstrated in a relationship. Commitment is the willingness to stay in a relationship and be devoted to the relationship and the other person in the relationship.
The textbook states that there are several types of lover; romantic love, companionate love, fatuous and infatuated love, empty love, and consummate love.
Romantic love is love that is high in passion and intimacy. A couple that is romantically in love does not see notice or care about the flaws of one another. Romantic lovers are also physically and emotionally attracted to one another, and they cannot find there to be anything wrong with one another, even if anyone else does. Bella and Edward of the Twilight sagas are good examples for romantic love because despite their obvious differences, they are still very emotionally and physically attracted to each other.
Companionate love is love made up of high intimacy and a strong dose of commitment, without passion. Companionate love can easily displayed between an intimate friendship between two people that has lasted for a long time, despite any hardships.
Fatuous love is love consisting of high passion and commitment. Many teenagers demonstrate fatuous love. They are attracted to each other on a physical and emotion level, but there is no guarantee that they will be in a lasting relationship. These types of relationships are not long term because after a while, the...