TYPES OF LOVE

Hello dear. I guess you've opened up and gonna read this story as you wanted to know what kind of love you have with your partner. Just keep reading as I will share my knowledge about love based on the theory of a psychologist 😉

I have known a psychologist who is known for his theories on love and relationships. This is the most influential theory I ever learned of all the theories I've read about love, so I'm gonna share this to you. His name is Robert Sternberg, the psychologist I've been so thankful for creating the Triangular Theory of Love. According to him, Love consists of three components: Intimacy, passion, and commitment. These components can combine in different ways to form various types of love.

So.....

Do you want to know what kind of love you currently have with your partner? Do you have those 3 components? Or just two or one?

This is so interesting as you've been able to understand what is the lack of your relationship. Just like if you just suddenly think that there's something wrong in your relationship while you're walking on the road, eating your snacks, laying on the bed looking at the ceiling, and even pooping...unforeseen....

To avoid confusion and overthinking out of nowhere, I'm gonna share with you dear the types of love based on the theory of Robert Sternberg.

First of all, do you know what those three components of love mean?

Intimacy: This component refers to two people's emotional closeness, connection, and sharing. It is characterized by feelings of warmth, trust, and affection.

Passion: Passionate love encompasses a relationship's physical and sexual attraction, excitement, and desire. It symbolizes the intense longing and infatuation common in the early stages of romance.

Commitment: It indicates the commitment to maintain a long-term connection as well as the willingness to work through difficulties and challenges. It entails loyalty, dedication, and the desire to keep the relationship going in the future.

Based on these three components, Sternberg identified seven different types of love

Consummate Love: This is the ideal type of love that involves high levels of intimacy, passion, and commitment. It represents a complete and balanced form of love.

Romantic love: Romantic love is characterized by high levels of intimacy and passion but lacks commitment. It is frequently observed in the early stages of a relationship or in passionate but brief romances.

Companionate love: Companionate love is distinguished by high degrees of intimacy and commitment but moderate levels of desire. It is frequently observed in long-term relationships or close friendships.

Fatuous love: Fatuous love combines passion and commitment while lacking intimacy. It might be described as a whirlwind romance or an infatuation-based relationship with no strong emotional attachment.

Infatuation: Infatuation is characterized by tremendous desire and attraction but lacks closeness and commitment. It is frequently fleeting and based on idealized perceptions of the other person.

Empty Love: Empty love is characterized by commitment without intimacy or passion. It can happen in long-term relationships when the emotional connection and passion have faded.

Nonlove: The absence of intimacy, passion, and commitment is referred to as nonlove. It represents a lack of love or any meaningful connection between two people.

It is worth noting that Sternberg's theory provides a framework for comprehending the various components and types of love. Within a relationship, the combination and balance of these components can change. Relationships can vary and change over time, and individuals may experience different various types of love at different periods of their relationships.

I will discuss the stages of a relationship in another story. I hope you've identified the type of love you have with your partner, dear.