Love is a complex sentiment that can be experienced in many different ways. It’s often a contested topic in philosophy, literature, and religion, and it may mean different things to each person. It can be felt for a spouse, child, friend, pet, cause, or even a country. It can be passionate or companionate and may last for life.
In its purest form, love is a feeling of deep affection and commitment that makes us want to make the person we’re in love with happy. When we’re in love, we tend to think about them all the time and care about their needs more than our own. It’s also a motivating force that encourages us to be generous and selfless.
Psychologist Erin Rubin defines love as “the strong desire for another’s good, combined with the conviction that this good is achievable.” Love is not just a feeling, but also a behavior that requires commitment and sacrifice. From an evolutionary perspective, loving someone helps keep parents and their offspring bonded and committed to one another so that the children can survive and mature into adults.
People who demonstrate love in their everyday lives help to shape a better world. The love of family, friends, and pets, as well as the love of principles and beliefs such as freedom and justice, can have a positive impact on society. Practicing love is one of the most rewarding things we can do in life.