One can have passion, even commitment, but no intimacy for instance (think of a Vegas wedding scenario). Or one can have commitment to a relationship, but no passion nor intimacy (picture your grandparents’ traditional relationship after many years of strain, perhaps). Thomas Aquinas explains that Christian love is motivated by the need to see others succeed in life, to be good people.
Since everything is a reflection of God, the school of Sufism practices seeing the beauty inside the apparently ugly. Sufism is often referred to as the religion of love.[54] God in Sufism is referred to in three main terms—Lover, Loved, and Beloved—with the last of these terms often seen in Sufi poetry. A common viewpoint of Sufism is that through love, humankind can return to its inherent purity and grace. The saints of Sufism are infamous for being “drunk” due to their love of God; hence, the constant reference to wine in Sufi poetry and music. When we love someone we experience the same positive thoughts and experiences as when we like a person.
There are many types — like the love you share with your partner, family, and friends — and each version you feel is unique. It can fill you with emotions ranging from joy to heartbreak. Specifically, psychologist Robert Sternberg developed his well-regarded triangular theory of love in the early 1980s. Much research has built upon his work and demonstrated its universality across cultures. There are countless songs, books, poems, and other works of art about love (you probably have one in mind as we speak!). Yet despite being one of the most studied behaviors, it is still the least understood.
Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that has puzzled philosophers, writers, and scientists for centuries. So, what is the true meaning of love? Is it simply a chemical reaction in the brain, or is it something more profound and spiritual?
Without love, it’s difficult to see how the human species could have evolved. The period of childhood is much longer for humans than other species. As offspring rely on adults for many years to survive and to develop the skills and abilities needed for successful living, love is especially important for humans.
But early explorations into the nature and reasons for love drew considerable criticism. Senator William Proxmire railed against researchers who were studying love and derided the work as a waste of taxpayer dollars. Only fairly recently has love become the subject of science. In the past, the study of love was left to “the creative writer to depict for us the necessary conditions for loving,” according to Sigmund Freud. “In consequence, it becomes inevitable that science should concern herself with the same materials whose treatment by artists has given enjoyment to mankind for thousands of years,” he added.
The color wheel theory of love defines three primary, three secondary, and nine tertiary love styles, describing them in terms of the traditional color wheel. The triangular theory of love suggests intimacy, passion, and commitment are core components of love. This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, compared to other emotional states. Intimacy refers to feelings of closeness and connection, warmth, caring, and sharing. Intimacy is not exclusive to romantic relationships of course, but it is a key “warm” component.
The Science of Love
Scientists have long studied the biological basis of love, discovering that the feeling of being in love triggers the release of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and oxytocin. These neurotransmitters are responsible for feelings of pleasure, bonding, and attachment. However, reducing love to a mere chemical reaction fails to capture the full essence of this powerful emotion.
Passion refers to intense feelings of attraction, and like a magnetic force, it feels very strongly like being drawn to someone emotionally and physically. Commitment is more cerebral than intimacy and passion and is considered the “cold” component. It refers to the deliberate decision to invest in a relationship over the long term. First coined by psychologist John Lee, the love styles are eros, ludus and storge.
The Psychological Aspect of Love
Psychologists believe that love involves a combination of intimacy, passion, and commitment. Intimacy refers to the emotional connection between two individuals, while passion involves physical attraction and desire. Commitment, on the other hand, signifies the willingness to stay with someone through thick and thin. Together, these elements create a strong and lasting bond between partners.
The Spiritual Dimension of Love
Many people view love as a transcendent and spiritual experience that goes beyond mere physical or emotional connections. In various religious and philosophical traditions, love is considered a divine force that unites all living beings. It is seen as a source of compassion, empathy, and understanding, serving as a guiding light in times of darkness.
In conclusion, the mean of love is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and spiritual factors. While science offers valuable insights into the mechanisms behind this emotion, the true essence of love remains a mystery that defies easy explanation. Whether seen as a chemical reaction, a psychological phenomenon, or a spiritual force, love continues to inspire and enchant us in ways that words alone cannot capture.
