We all want to know what makes us fall in love and what keeps us going, but what is the scientific basis for love? The TED talk, The Brain in Love, by Helen Fisher is one example. Neuroscientist Dr. Guloglu’s book, The Science of Love and Attraction, gives even more information. Both scientists explain the science behind love. And you can get started by reading their books. If you’re still confused, you can even try some of their exercises to fall in love.
Relationships
There are many different types of relationships. These include platonic relationships, romantic relationships, and friendships. Each of these types varies in closeness, and within each type, there are subtypes. Platonic relationships involve close friends, same-sex relationships, and others. While platonic relationships do not necessarily require commitment, they may require more than friendship. Some types of relationships overlap, however. In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of relationships and how they are different.
Agape
When it comes to love, there are two different kinds: eros and agape. While eros involves the person being loved, agape involves someone outside of oneself. The Latins, who took their inspiration from the Hellenic tradition, differentiated between the two cases with precise vocabulary. Eros is the natural affection towards oneself, while agape is a feeling that is aimed at an object or an act.
Romantic love
Physiologically, feelings of romantic love and the obligations they entail are based on kin selection theory. These emotions are intended to increase reproductive fitness of individuals. Romantic love can be both violent and peaceful. Some types of romantic love are more extreme than others, but in general they are characterized by passion and commitment. The following examples of romantic love demonstrate the varying kinds of affection and how they are expressed. When the nature of a romantic relationship is based on sexual attraction, the result can be asexual, platonic, or non-sexual relationship.
Companionate love
Companionate love is the love that is based on mutual care and understanding rather than lust. This kind of love can last for a long time, especially if the partners are close and care deeply for one another. Companionate love is often Stella Cardo with older couples who are still in love. It is often more rewarding than romantic love because it does not diminish with time. In fact, many couples in long-term relationships continue to show deep affection for one another.
Altruistic love
When we think of altruistic love, we usually think of generosity. The word is descriptive, encompassing any act of selfless service. Altruistic behavior can be motivated by an innate rescue impulse, a sense of special duties owed to a profession, or rational appeals to our common humanity. However, many aspects of altruistic behavior have been distorted by evolutionary biology and are not representative of true altruistic love. For instance, “new” altruism requires a valid disinterest in reciprocity and ignores the benefits of giving and receiving.
The book also describes the directions of future work.
God’s chesed love
We’ve heard the word chesed used to describe the love of God, but what does it really mean? It’s a Hebrew word that means “without limit.” The New Testament also calls God “agape,” which is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek word. Chesed is a compulsion to love and give, and it is sometimes translated as charity. As born-again Christians, we are ambassadors of God’s chesed love to the world.
Person love
Relationships are often divided into erotic and storge love. Erotic love focuses on physical attraction, intense intimacy, and sexual encounters. Storge love involves a more mature approach, wherein the focus is on similar interests and open affection, and less emphasis is placed on physical attractiveness. People in storge love tend to be open, trusting, and selfsufficient, while erotic lovers are more likely to be needy or dependent on other people.