Are we programmed to fall in love? Is love fleeting or permanent? Can love be biologically programmed or culturally indoctrinated? In some ways, each of these debates may be correct in some way or another. It’s not clear which type of love is best, but each of them may be true to some extent. In addition, there’s the issue of whether love is a voluntary act.
Biologically programmed
There’s more to human love than simple feedback mechanisms. It may even create its own reality. In fact, the brain’s most primitive parts might be the source of love, long before the cortex developed. In love, the human brain is overwhelmed with sensations transmitted by the vagus nerve. These sensations are transformed into emotion, and the modern cortex struggles to interpret these primitive messages and weave a story around incoming visceral experiences.
Culturally indoctrinated
Often, we aren’t aware of the degree to which we are culturally indoctrinated, even though we grew up in a certain social environment. For instance, we are indoctrinated by our parents, and the relationship between parents and children involves some level of indoctrination. It is necessary for stable communities to form around shared values, and it is an integral part of the parent-child relationship.
Permanent or fleeting
The modern world has perverted and slightly distorted the meaning of the word love. For instance, there are countries that prohibit people from saying, “I love an apple,” and those words are considered unacceptable in some cultures. Ancient Greeks, on the other hand, would never say that, either. They did categorize love into four categories: lasting, fleeting, temporary, and temporary-to-permanent. So, when defining love, we must remember the definition of each.
Companionate
There are several types of love, but one of the most common is called “companionate for love.” These relationships are often the most stable and last the longest. They are often defined by feelings of intimacy and commitment, as well as long-term commitment. Companionate love can also be defined as a relationship between close friends or a long-term romantic partner. Companionate love can take many forms, but all relationships share the same fundamental characteristics.
Sacrificial
When a person loves another, they will willingly give up themselves to meet their needs. Sacrificial love is the type of love that God displays, as He gave His only Son for the world. God’s love is sacrificial, and we should emulate His example by giving to others. The greatest example of sacrificial love is Jesus, who gave up his life for us. In John 3:16, God says, “I love the world so much that I gave My only Son.”
Playful
Being playful may serve as a signal to potential mates. It may indicate a man’s lack of aggression, or a woman’s youthfulness, which could be a proxy for fertility. Indeed, surveys have shown that people are attracted to people who are playful and fun-loving. Despite the fact that the biological and social basis of playfulness is not well understood, it appears to have a strong impact on our relationships.