In chapter 19 I enjoyed reading about Sternberg research on love. He said that love has three aspects- passion, intimacy, and commitment. The absent of any three of those aspects could rise to different forms of love. Early in a relationship is passion. Passion is evident in "falling in love". It is an intense physical, cognitive, and emotional onslaught characterized by excitement, ecstasy, and euphoria. The entire body and mind, hormones, and neurons are active. Intimacy is knowing someone well, sharing secrets and nakedness as well as sex. This aspect of a romance is reciprocal, with each partner gradually revealing more of themselves, as well as accepting more of the other person. Commitment takes time, at least for those who follow current Western patterns of love and marriage. It grows gradually through decisions to be together, mutual care-giving, shared possessions, and forgiveness.
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