The Triangular Theory Of Love
Posted by: Alison Lin Filed in: galleries, relationships
1:30PM, Thursday July 23rd 2009
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An interesting theory proposed by psychologist Robert Sternberg just might explain why some relationships work while some don’t. It’s called the triangular theory of love, and it states that love encompasses three different components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Sure, we throw these words around when talking about relationships, but Sternberg uses them in a more scientific sense in order to measure the existence and levels of each aspect. Intimacy is how close and connected you feel towards your S.O., while passion includes all the fun stuff we love – the chemistry, the sex, and ... oh, did we mention the sex? Commitment involves the desire to remain with and to share plans and aspirations with another. These three elements don’t always come hand-in-hand; in fact, more often than not, relationships may lack one or two of these aspects. Looking around at all the examples among celebrities and in pop culture, so many couples exemplify the different “forms of love” that result from various combinations of the big three. We speculate about which well-known couples would fit into each category.
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Tags: love advice, commitment, triangular theory of love, intimacy, passion
Comments (4)
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Coral
wrote on July 23 2009 @ 12:55 pm: [report]
I absolutely think that real and true love needs all three parts to it. My ex boyfriend and I had a great relationship for 3 years, but with him being 6 years older than me, I couldn’t possibly have the same type of commitment as him, and ultimately the relationship ended. And I am sure if you take a look at marriages that last and those that don’t, it is clear that intimacy, passion, and commitment are much needed for a successful, healthy, and long-lasting relationship.
bogart4017
wrote on July 23 2009 @ 01:30 pm: [report]
Commitment has to be the most important in the triangle. If both parties are in it for the long haul there is almost (i said ALMOST-before you start posting responses) nothing they can’t get past.
Shasta
wrote on July 23 2009 @ 05:49 pm: [report]
Mmm. I like it. And while I loathe the term “soul” mate, maybe that’s what soul mates are: compatable at every point of the triangle.
Alison Wonderland
wrote on July 23 2009 @ 10:08 pm: [report]
Also check out Lee’s 6 love styles. They tie in nicely with Sternberg’s theory.