Love is a feeling that can be experienced in many ways. It can be romantic, platonic or companionable. Love can also be a lifestyle that includes things like spending time together, sharing interests and caring about each other’s well-being. Love can be a powerful force that can bring us happiness and joy. But it can also be challenging when it comes to dealing with conflict or problems.

Throughout history, philosophers and thinkers have debated about what love really means. Some believe that it’s a feeling, while others think that it’s a choice and a commitment. Some people also believe that love is a feeling that can be uncontrollable, while others feel that it’s something that can be nurtured and developed through healthy communication and commitment.

One of the prevailing theories about love is that it’s a biological cascade of hormones and feedback pathways in your brain, which creates feelings of attraction, excitement and attachment. This theory of love was developed in the 1990s by Helen Fisher and other researchers at Rutgers University. Fisher and her colleagues mapped the different phases of the relationship cycle, which they called “attachment styles,” to unique hormone processes in the brain.

Some people believe that the initial feelings of attraction and excitement are what constitutes love, while others believe that it’s a deeper connection, emotional security and commitment. The underlying belief is that love is a human need, similar to hunger or thirst, which can be fulfilled through a loving, secure and committed relationship.

People who believe that love is a choice argue that you have more control over whether or not you fall in or out of love than you might think. If you choose to cultivate a bond based on respect and empathy, it will be much harder for negative emotions or life changes to break your heart. For example, you can choose to be grateful for the little things that your partner or friend does for you, such as making coffee, and show this appreciation through actions like a hug or kiss.

To make a lasting connection, focus on meaningful conversations and shared interests when meeting new people. Try taking classes or joining social and hobby-based groups in your area to meet people who share your passions. Prioritizing these types of connections will increase the chances that you’ll find a person with whom you can enjoy spending tranquil moments and who is understanding of your authentic self. This type of connection is often what’s referred to as “the one.” Once you find them, cherish every moment that you have together.