Love is a powerful emotion that can be directed toward friends, family members, romantic partners, the universe, God or oneself. It enriches our lives and provides support during tough times, but it also needs care and understanding to thrive. Research and disagreement about what love is make it difficult to pin down, but there are some important things to keep in mind.
How we think about and understand love influences how we act. Some researchers believe that it is a primary human emotion like happiness or anger, while others believe that it is more of a secondary emotional response that develops from a combination of other emotions. The biological model of love sees it as a mammalian drive, influenced by hormones like oxytocin and neurotrophins and pheromones.
Some people want to hear others talk about their love for them, while other prefer to be shown that love through actions. These people want to feel cherished and valued through acts of service, such as bringing them medicine or soup when they are sick, remembering important details about their life and showing interest in their hobbies and interests.
For some, the best way to understand and practice love is through an ethical framework. This view is based on the idea that loving someone requires that you be willing to put their interests above yours, show vulnerability and respect, and live with an open heart. This type of love is not always easy, but it is worth it in the end.