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Triangular Theory of Love
by Robert Sternberg
Love can be thought of as a triangle, with its three corners consisting of the three components of passion, intimacy, and commitment. All kinds of love are made up of different combinations and proportions of these components:
| Liking: |
The experience of intimacy without passion and commitment (e.g., friendship) |
| Infatuated love: |
The experience of passion without intimacy and commitment (e.g., "puppy love") |
| Empty love: |
The experience of commitment without passion and intimacy (e.g., stagnant marriages) |
| Romantic love: |
The experience of passion and intimacy without commitment (e.g., extramarital affairs) |
| Companionate love: |
The experience of intimacy and commitment without passion (e.g., many long-term, happy marriages) |
| Fatuous love: |
The experience of passion plus commitment without intimacy (e.g., love at first sight) |
| Consummate love: |
The experience of intimacy, passion, and commitment (good luck!) |
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