The word love has been a favored subject of many poets, writers and philosophers for generations, but it can be difficult to pin down a precise definition. Love can be used to describe feelings of affection, protectiveness and warmth for another person — or it can be applied to non-human animals or principles like freedom or religion. It’s also a cherished topic for movies, songs and novels.

Despite the difficulty in creating an all-encompassing characterization, scientists and psychologists have generally agreed that there are at least two basic types of love: romantic love and family love. Romantic love is often referred to as “love at first sight,” and it’s the type that’s typically described in movies, songs and novels. Family love, on the other hand, is a feeling of attachment and respect for close friends, relatives or children.

In addition to these two basic kinds of love, there are many other varieties that people use to describe their relationships – or just the things they care about in their lives. For example, people might say they love their dogs or their careers – even though these relationships may be more complicated than the typical romantic love story.

There are also some people who use the word to refer to a spiritual experience, such as enlightenment or a religious faith. These experiences are generally considered to be an integral part of a person’s life, but they aren’t usually described in movies, songs or novels.

Whether you’re writing about romance, family love or some other kind of love, it’s important to be as objective as possible. You don’t want your essay to come off as sappy or unrealistic. So try to focus on describing the positive aspects of your love – and don’t forget to include the times when your partner drives you crazy.

For instance, researchers at Stony Brook University have found that when people are in love, a number of different brain regions are activated. These include the caudate nucleus, which is associated with reward and motivation, and an ancient area known as the ventral tegmental area, or VTA. The VTA is involved in focus and craving, and it’s the same part of the brain that lights up when someone takes cocaine.

It’s important to remember that loving someone sometimes means being patient and forgiving when they make mistakes. It’s also about giving back, which is why many people in relationships feel the need to support charities and other causes. Finally, a true love can help you get through tough times because it’s always there to give you strength.

It’s no wonder that the concept of love has captivated so many artists through the ages. It’s a beautiful and complex phenomenon, but one thing is for sure: it’s not the same for everyone. This article was originally published on The Conversation AU and has been republished here with permission. Deakin University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.