The Different Types of Love
In the case of romantic love, the brain responds by increasing activity in reward-related areas. The caudate nucleus, which is involved in the reward system, is affected by the feeling of love. The ventral tegmental area, located in the reptilian core of the brain, is involved in motivation, craving, and wanting. A similar response is seen during a cocaine rush. Researchers are not sure why we have these patterns of behavior.
Various theories describe the different forms of love. A primary reason for this is that attachment evolved as a biological necessity to ensure continued courtship until conception. It also helps focus mating energy on a single person. Many people who report being in a romantic relationship describe the intensity of the feelings as involuntary and uncontrollable. In a recent study, psychologist Dorothy Tennov interviewed 400 participants in Connecticut to explore the experiences of romantic love. Among the most common responses was feeling helpless and obsessive.
Erotic love, on the other hand, focuses on physical attraction and intense intimacy. However, it involves games and emotional distance. Advocates of this type of love are unlikely to commit and can easily end relationships. On the other hand, storge love is considered more mature and is based on shared interests and open affection. It does not place an emphasis on physical attractiveness. People with this type of love are very trusting, independent, and not dependent on others.
An erotic love is characterized by the desire to engage in sexual activity and have intimate contact with the other person. Despite the intense emotions of passion, this form of love does not lead to commitment. Rather, it can develop into a lasting, passionate love. The person who experiences erotic love feels comfortable ending a relationship, and it usually lasts for a very long time. And when the lover is unrequited, it is called unrequited love.
In a romantic relationship, the focus is on physical attraction and intimacy, but is not unconditional. In erotic love, the object of affection is the other person’s physical attractiveness. Despite the fact that the object of love may not reciprocate, it is a powerful emotion. It is difficult to resist the strong feelings of a lover. The feelings of a romantic relationship are mutual and often involuntary. In addition, it is possible to feel helpless or even obsessed.
The expression of love is not limited to a romantic relationship. For example, it may refer to a sexual experience with a partner. In addition, it may refer to a deep and abiding affection that is not triggered by sexual activity. A person who feels passionately towards a partner is more likely to commit to them. But they will not be able to commit if their relationship becomes erotic. Those who practice storge love often have no intention of making a commitment and feel free to end a relationship at any time.