Theories of love are hard to categorize, and they typically avoid explicitly reductionist language and conceptual connections between different aspects of love. Instead, they generally emphasize evaluative, subjective, and relational aspects of love. This makes it more difficult to classify love, because the ideas that underlie each theory tend to overlap. In addition, some theories emphasize purely individual, not social, considerations. This article explores the complexities of love theories.
A common type of love is pragma, which is selfless and develops over time. A couple that is in pragma love often tolerates their partner’s differences and deepens their relationship. This is a very important characteristic for romantic love. Although it may seem difficult to define, pragma love is unconditional, and it requires years to develop. While pragma is essentially selfless love, it is the most difficult to define.
For example, love is an emotion that can be mutually satisfying, romantic, or even sexual. Romantic love involves a strong attraction to another person, which can be either physical or emotional. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the two lovers were devoted to one another. Parents also love their children. And most people love their boyfriends, girlfriends, and best friends. However, love can also be less emotional, but still strong.
Studies of love have found that romantic love causes a dramatic increase in dopamine levels in brain areas associated with reward and craving. The caudate nucleus, a reward-system part of the brain, also shows evidence of this connection. Researchers also noted that the ventral tegmental area, a part of the reptilian core, is associated with feelings of wanting, motivation, focus, and desire. Interestingly, similar brain areas light up during a cocaine rush.