Described as a “raw emotion” with the power to change our world, love has fascinated philosophers, poets, and ordinary people for generations. It can be felt for non-human animals, principles, and religious beliefs as well as people – and it can manifest in very different ways.
The definition of love is a contested one: some scientists view it as a biological urge driven by hormones such as oxytocin and neurotrophins, while others see it as more of a cultural and psychological phenomenon. It can be a feeling that makes us yearn for someone and even crave their company. It can also make us selfless in ways that we may not have been before, thinking about the needs of others before our own. It can be intense, as in romantic love; or it can be more companionate, such as the affection that we feel for our family members and close friends.
There are also many different types of love, from the platonic, non-romantic love of friendship to the more intense emotions of romantic and spiritual love. Within this there are multiple sub-types: lust, attraction, and attachment; and some, like the LGBTQ+ community, experience love in other ways, such as polyamorous or aromantic relationships that don’t involve lust.
Writing about love is a complex task because of the wide range of possible expressions and feelings associated with it. Instead of simply telling your readers how two characters feel for each other, try to show them. Use their physical interactions, the way they talk to each other, and the things that they do together to convey the depth of their relationship.