For thousands of years, love has intrigued philosophers, poets, and ordinary people. It’s a mysterious emotion that has the power to transform relationships and our world. But what is it exactly?

Scientists have a few different theories about what love is. One is that it’s a combination of three emotions: attraction, lust, and attachment. When these are present, people are more likely to fall in love, says clinical psychologist Bobbi Wegner, Psy.D. The other theory is that love is a mixture of three things: caring, passion, and intimacy. In this case, the feeling of care and concern for another person’s happiness is what really makes us feel in love. Passion is the giddy feeling we get when we see our crush, while intimacy refers to the closeness and emotional connection we feel with someone.

According to the Bible, Jesus exemplified both types of love when He healed the sick and loved His followers unconditionally. He also taught about the spiritual aspect of love, which is a selfless, sacrificial commitment to our friends’ needs and well-being.

In the same way, a parent’s love for their child is both caring and passionate, but it also involves sacrifice. For example, a parent will give up an organ to keep their child alive because they care about their child’s well-being more than their own. This type of love is called agape, or divine love.

There are also other kinds of love, such as companionate love and platonic love. Companionate love refers to a deep, long-term commitment to another person that’s not necessarily romantic or sexual. For instance, a friend will remain loyal to you even when they don’t share the same beliefs or values. This type of love is often based on mutual respect and loyalty.

While platonic love isn’t usually as intense as romantic or lustful love, it’s still a powerful emotion that can have positive effects on your health and wellbeing. For example, research shows that being in a platonic relationship can help reduce stress and boost your immune system.

When it comes to writing, showing your readers the many facets of love is the best way to capture the true meaning of this emotion. Instead of telling them how two characters feel, show them through their actions and interactions. For example, if you write about how one character cares for the other through acts of service, like bringing them soup or medicine when they’re sick, it will be much more meaningful and relatable to your audience.

Ultimately, love is about finding common ground and creating a bond that transcends your differences. Then, you can enjoy each other’s company and be there for each other through the ups and downs of life. And if you find someone who loves you for the person you are, that’s truly magical. Just remember: “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Have you ever fallen in love?