The Definition of Love
Love is a powerful emotion, a feeling of deep affection for another person or thing. Its definition is broad and varies among people. Some define love as an intense liking or emotional attachment to a person or thing, while others say that love is the opposite of hate. Regardless of the definition, love is an essential human need.
Psychologists agree that love is a complex emotion. In some cases, love is the result of biological programming and in other cases, love is a choice. Love is also different for everyone, and the definition of love differs from one person to the next and even from culture to culture. The definition of love has been the subject of philosophical debates for generations. While many different definitions of love have proven accurate in some instances, most people agree that love is a strong emotional response to another person or thing.
The concept of love is complex, but its underlying biological foundation is fairly simple. Its biological and evolutionary roots make it important to humans. Humans require the care and love of adults for survival and development. Therefore, the concept of love is especially important to them. For example, passionate love activates brain regions similar to those that are activated by cocaine.
Although love may seem like a strong and enduring emotion, it is not a quick or easy process. It takes time for the threads to weave together and form a strong bond. Unlike friendship, love does not develop overnight. It may take a few months or years before it manifests itself. The key is to stay patient and don’t rush the process.
When we discuss love, we often distinguish it from other personal attitudes. We may find it more appropriate to focus on its universal properties, which may be shared by others. However, this approach is problematic because it tends to make the object of love fungible. The accounts of love might offer a way out of this predicament.
As we discussed in the introduction of the book, love doesn’t just involve concern, attraction, or sympathy. Rather, love is a powerful response to a person as a person, not as a feeling or an emotion. While this may seem like an oxymoron, it’s important to keep in mind that there is a deeper meaning to love than this.
Commitment is the choice we make to put another person’s happiness above our own. It manifests itself in extreme emotions of need and attachment. It also results in a sudden and dramatic respect for the person. Commitment also involves our decision to take action for the sake of another’s happiness. This is the most powerful form of love.