There’s no single definition of love, but it often refers to a strong emotional bond that develops between people. Love can be felt for family members, friends, romantic partners, and even animals. In the case of pets, love may be mutual – both sides benefit from the relationship. In a religious context, love can be defined as “love of God and neighbour” (Lk 22:37).
Many theories have been proposed for the origins of love. Some scientists believe that it is a biological response, triggered by hormones such as oxytocin and neurotrophins, while others suggest that it’s a cultural phenomenon driven by attachment theory and social learning.
Those theories have resulted in different ideas about what love is, including that it’s an emotion with a distinct quality or feeling called “depth.” It’s also argued that it involves an appraisal of one’s beloved and how well she meets a person’s criteria for loving her. However, it’s unclear whether this kind of evaluation is sufficient to account for the intuitional depth of love.
It’s true that when you fall in love, it can feel a bit like the cliche of euphoria and overwhelming happiness. But it’s important to remember that these aren’t the only feelings associated with it – for instance, you may also be vulnerable or scared. And, if you’re in a long-term relationship, there will be times when your love doesn’t feel quite so swoony. But that’s okay too, because a true love is worth the ups and downs.