According to the American Psychological Association, love is a complex emotion. However, many researchers disagree over its definition. In fact, some claim that love is a cultural phenomenon, not a real emotion. Others, however, argue that it is a physiological drive and a complex emotion. Some researchers make a distinction between love and other emotions, calling them primary or secondary. There are many different definitions of love, which are discussed below. To better understand how love develops, it is helpful to consider its history.
Companionate love
There are three types of love: passionate, romantic, and companionate. Each gives the relationship a certain level of satisfaction and commitment. Although romantic love is more prevalent in Western culture, there is also a place for companionate love in relationships. Lack of romantic love is often a cause for dissolution of marriages. Although these three types of love can exist together, each provides a unique experience for the partners. In this article, we will look at three of the most common types of love and explore how they work.
Companionate love is characterized by feelings of warmth, trust, and intimacy. This intimacy can be physical or emotional, and both partners experience feelings of desire. However, these sexual experiences may be less intense or less central to the experience of companionate love. In addition, over time, these experiences may become less frequent, less intense, or even disappear altogether. Ultimately, the length of the relationship may determine the level of companionate love.
While most relationships begin as friends, companionate love is unique in its own way. It is based on shared interests, creating a safe and trusting relationship. Some experts have characterized companionate love as the glue of relationships. Companionate love is also more enduring, since physical attraction is less of an issue. In addition to a deep sense of friendship, companionate lovers place high value on security, task sharing, and joint activities. In short, they think of love as a lifelong journey.
Passionate love tends to last a short time, but often fades as a relationship ages. In fact, some couples may have a hard time sustaining their passionate love if they reach the 10th year of marriage. This is because the novelty of passion wears off and both partners no longer feel the need to express their feelings as frequently. Many couples seek passionate love elsewhere, and others settle for companionate love.
In a long-term relationship, passionate love often appears sporadically, while companionate love tends to develop over time. Passion in early-stage romantic relationships tends to burst, and many couples split up after the bubble pops. If your relationship has developed over time, however, there is no need to risk it. It is much easier to actively work on rebuilding passion than to let it fade away. Here are some tips for restoring your passion.