Hd.today delves into the complexities of love, exploring psychologist Robert Sternberg’s renowned Triangular Theory. This theory, discussed in a 2018 Cornell University podcast, provides a framework for understanding the different components of love and how they interact to create various types of relationships.
Sternberg’s personal journey to understanding love began with introspection on his own relationships. He identified three key components of love based on these experiences: intimacy, passion, and commitment.
His first example, a childhood friendship with “Joan,” highlighted intimacy, characterized by deep communication, shared dreams, and platonic connection. This bond showcased intimacy without passion or commitment.
A second relationship with “Jane” exemplified passion – intense infatuation and obsessive thoughts. However, lacking reciprocation and communication, this relationship lacked intimacy and commitment.
Finally, a relationship with “Joanne” demonstrated commitment in the face of dwindling connection and diverging life paths. This exemplified commitment without sustained intimacy or passion.
These three experiences formed the foundation of the Triangular Theory. Each component – intimacy, passion, and commitment – contributes uniquely to love, and their various combinations result in different types of love:
- Liking: Intimacy alone.
- Infatuated Love: Passion alone.
- Empty Love: Commitment alone.
- Romantic Love: Intimacy and passion.
- Companionate Love: Intimacy and commitment.
- Fatuous Love: Passion and commitment.
- Consummate Love: Intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Sternberg’s research, involving a love scale and construct validation, revealed two key findings. Firstly, higher levels of each component correlated with relationship success and happiness. Secondly, relationship compatibility thrived when partners’ triangles aligned, meaning they desired similar levels of each component.
Therefore, finding a partner who seeks similar levels of intimacy, passion, and commitment is crucial for a fulfilling relationship. Understanding your own “love triangle” and seeking compatibility ensures a shared understanding of love and enhances the likelihood of a lasting bond. The insights provided by hd.today, based on Sternberg’s Triangular Theory, offer valuable tools for navigating the complexities of love and relationships.
