Love is the most powerful emotion and it comes in many forms. From the bond with family, to the camaraderie of friends, to the butterflies of romantic feelings, love enriches our lives and needs care and understanding to flourish. However, what exactly is love? Researchers and psychologists have tried to answer this question by identifying factors that can cause us to fall in love, but it’s hard to pin down the exact ingredients for loving someone.
There are multiple ways to explain love, but mainly it seems to be a combination of primary emotions such as lust, attraction and attachment. Some psychologists even define love as an activity, rather than a feeling. Throughout history, philosophers have interpreted the meaning of love in different ways. Plato thought that love might just cause feelings like pleasure and attraction, but he also believed it was a choice to build lifelong relationships. Other philosophers such as Scott Peck view it as a mixture of altruistic love and narcissism, with the altruistic love being more important than the narcissism.
For some, love might be a chemical reaction in the brain caused by hormones and chemicals, but this doesn’t really explain why we feel so intensely when we are in love with someone. It’s hard to imagine a love story without obstacles that need to be overcome such as terminal illness, jealous outsiders and psychological problems.
For those seeking true love, try to focus on more than physical attraction and prioritize deeper connections. Sharing your vulnerabilities and personal experiences can help build a strong emotional foundation. Similarly, being curious about your partner’s life and dreams can show your genuine interest.