Love is one of the most powerful feelings that people can experience. It can transform individuals, relationships and communities. It can also inspire creativity and enlighten us on a deeper level. It can be experienced toward friends, family, romantic partners, the universe, God, and even ourselves. However, it is a complex emotion that can be difficult to define consistently.

For millennia philosophers, prophets and poets have debated and theorized about love. But it is only in recent decades that scientists have become comfortable studying it explicitly. Scientists have looked at love through a variety of lenses, including attachment theory, interpersonal relations, and emotion. Today, scholars continue to come at love from different perspectives and to broaden the definition of love beyond its traditional ties to a romantic relationship or dyadic bond within the family to include friendships, family, work, civic institutions, and the natural world.

While there are many theories of love, it is generally agreed that the core elements of the phenomenon are intimacy, passion, and commitment. Intimacy refers to the feeling of closeness and connection to another person; passion is the desire to be with the person you love; and commitment is the decision to keep loving someone no matter what happens. This triangular theory of love is used as the basis for research in interpersonal relations and has been validated by functional MRI studies that show activation of reward centers in the brain when people are thinking about or gazing at someone they love.

In addition, love is often described as a yearning that can motivate you to do things you wouldn’t otherwise do. For example, you might stay up all night thinking about your partner or buy tickets to their favorite band because you want to spend time with them. You may also take risks to be with the person you love, such as trying a new job or moving across the country.

Lastly, love can help us to see the good in others. This is often seen in the commitment to a loved one who has unhealthy patterns of behavior, such as an addict or alcoholic. The commitment is motivated by a concern for their spiritual growth and a deep delight in them as a creature of God, rather than simple narcissism.

Love can be painful when it ends, especially if the breakup is unexpected or caused by betrayal or abuse. These experiences can lead to insecurities that can impact future relationships and health. It is important to remember that this pain is normal and temporary, but it can be difficult to heal from. If you are struggling, consider seeking counseling and practicing self-compassion. In the meantime, focus on spending time doing things that bring you joy and remember that the best relationships are those based on mutual respect, dependability, and trust. In this way, you can build a foundation of love that can last through any challenges that come your way.