When people talk about love, there are two predominant thoughts that come to mind. One is love for a romantic relationship, while the other is love for one’s spouse or partner. Both of these thoughts have plenty of assumptions attached to them. Some assume that love is inherently physical while others assume love is based on true emotional needs. While love is most definitely about physical needs, love is also about the ability to share and caring.
Love is an ensemble of behaviors and emotions characterized by passion, intimacy, commitment, and caring. Love is about caring, intimacy, protectiveness, affection, and adoration. Love can range from a deep desire to connect with another human being to developing strong and lasting relationships with family members, friends, and strangers. True love is a distinctive mixture of traits that arise from the unique chemistry between two people. Love differs from sexual attraction in that the latter involves attraction without consideration to matching ends and purposes.
Love is a very individual experience. People differ on what they find to be love. People may fall in love with someone based on physical attraction or even the potential for procreation. On the other hand, love may take on different forms. One person may love someone for their personality alone while another person may be completely enthralled with another person because of their similarities. Love may encompass family relationships as well as romantic attachments with another person or even a specific group of people.
Love is not a static emotion but rather a broad spectrum of emotions. It is possible to fall in love with someone because of both physical and emotional attraction. Physical attraction is often equated with lust but love is much more than this. While lust exists for a short period of time it fizzles out and is then replaced with feelings of regret and disappointment. In romantic relationships these feelings of regret and disappointment subside as the excitement of attraction begins to build. As the relationship develops, it is possible to enjoy feelings of love and attachment that last for the duration of the relationship.
Love creates positive emotions that make life better. As stated above it is possible to fall in love with another person based purely on the physical attraction. However, positive emotions such as trust and hope are also created within the relationship. Positive emotions are important for the formation of long term relationships. As time passes, the new person you love will fill the negative emotions you experienced in the beginning of your relationship.
Love is an extremely powerful emotion. One of the most difficult things to do in life is to not let love completely controls your actions. Falling in and out of love leaves people feeling empty and unloved. It is important to realize that there is always a chance to put love into your relationship and enjoy the long term benefits. You do not have to let love control every decision you make in your relationship; however, you must understand the importance of making choices based on feelings of attraction rather than the attractions of another person.