Although love has been explored for thousands of years, it is only recently that the subject of love has been the subject of scientific investigation. Sigmund Freud believed that love was a worthy subject for scientific study, as it was a subject that had inspired creative writing and artistic treatments over the millennia. However, early explorations of love met with criticism, such as a U.S. Senator who described the project as a waste of taxpayer dollars.
The very definition of love is a choice. Unlike liking and disliking, love involves choice. The intellect rises above irrational emotions and can keep the love bond intact. In order for love to remain healthy, the lover must first love something or someone. Once this is achieved, the lover must make the commitment to remain with their beloved. The process of love involves many complex and interconnected elements, including a sense of purpose and commitment.
The first two types of love have a common theme: physical attraction and erotic intimacy. Erotic love advocates are usually distant and uncomfortable with commitment and feel free to end a relationship quickly. Storge love, on the other hand, is more mature. It is based on similar interests and an open affection for the other person. Unlike Eros-style love, storge-style love is not romantic, but instead is based on trust and intimacy.
Whether it is an intense feeling of deep affection or a deep sense of awe, love is always an active emotion that can be expressed or enacted. While love is largely defined as an emotion, many modern philosophers intentionally blur the distinctions. Love may be a feeling, but it may also be an enacted emotion. There are many kinds of love, so there is a definition for each one. Just be sure to define love for yourself and choose to feel it in your heart!
Despite the negative representations in media, love is a special connection. When people are in love, they are courageous to talk about their emotions, and it feels as if nothing could go wrong. They feel cherished and cared for, and they feel safe in their partner’s arms. Love is not perfect, but it can survive challenges and difficulties. For those who are seeking love, therapy can help them build the courage to share their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Likewise, the Bible teaches that we should seek to imitate God’s agape, or steadfast love for His people. This kind of love is rooted in the Triune Godhead, and is a relationship of unconditional love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Unlike other love words, it is unique to the human experience as an image-bearer of God. A dog owner, for example, loves his or her dog, and cares for it. But God’s agape-inspired love for His people should be our model.
The scientific research on love reveals that love is rooted in our biology, and not a mammalian drive. Although neurotrophins, hormones, and pheromones play a role in romantic love, people’s conceptions of the phenomenon determine how they behave in love. A conventional view of love suggests that there are two main drives – passionate love and companionate love. A third view holds that love is the combination of both types of love.