What Is Love

             There are a variety of angles to view love from; there is the metaphysical,
             religious, political, ethical, and last, but perhaps most common, that of
             human nature. Statements and arguments concerning love most often also
             concern its nature and role in human life by connecting it with the
             philosophies of sex and gender. But, in a nutshell, love is an emotion
             that has been explored in philosophy, religion, and literature. Whether
             romantic, fraternal, or godly, love stems from a special affection for
             There are three elements that seem to, in various combinations, define
             different stages and types of love (Sternberg, 1986). Intimacy, which is
             the basis of friendship and a close, personal relationship, is one element.
             Another is passion and involves having a great enthusiasm for someone.
             And commitment can be explained as loyalty and devotion to someone.
             Friendship requires liking someone and involves intimacy. Infatuation or
             love at first sight' is a good example of when passion comes into play.
             Charity is a form of empty love, which involves commitment but little, if
             anything, more. Passion with intimacy equals romantic love, whereas
             companionate love is a combination of intimacy and commitment. A
             consummate love would have all three elements present.
             As a relationship with a loved one grows over time, the relative strength
             of each element tends to change (Sternberg, 1986). An Infatuation or empty
             love may turn into a companionate love, or passion may fade and leave a
             consummate relationship as a friendship.
             Being in love' as opposed to loving' someone, is considered an
             infatuation. Dorothy Tennov, a professor of psychology at the University
             of Bridgeport, Connecticut, first used the term Limerence' to describe
             this state of mind (Tennov, 1979). Love has to do with the concern one has
             for a loved one's well-being and feelings with little or no return
             ...

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What Is Love. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 17:27, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/200598.html