3 Key Components of Love in Robert Sternberg's "Triangular Theory of Love
1. Intimacy
2. Passion
3. Commitment
Intimacy (triangular theory of love)
The closeness and connectedness one feels in a relationship. Much of what we have described and immediacy plays In here: warmth, liking, mutual accessibility, and trust. Using temperature as an analogy, Sternberg regards this as the "warm" component of lo
Passion (triangular theory of love)
This involves physical attraction and emotional arousal, often including sexuality. This is the "hot" component of love.
Commitment (Triangular Theory of Love)
This is the rational, volitional side of love, involving decisions to maintain a relationship over time. This is loves "cool" component.
Intimacy alone =
Liking
Intimacy + Passion =
Romantic Love
Passion alone =
Infatuation
Passion + Commitment =
Fatuous Love
Commitment alone =
Empty Love
Intimacy + Commitment =
Companionate Love
Intimacy + Passion + Commitment =
Consummate Love
Consummate Love
An ideal love that's rare to achieve and challenging to maintain
Maturity
A factor in the experience of love.
Commitment
As couples age, they tend to value this more than other components -- although long-term partners experience more passion and intimacy than some stereotypes suggest.