For millennia, philosophers and prophets have speculated about the nature of love. In the 20th century, scientists have begun to study it as a science — in psychology, sociology, biology and other disciplines. They’ve discovered that while lust and infatuation can look and feel a lot like love, it’s usually something quite different. It’s also a very difficult emotion to define, because it can vary from person to person and even across cultures.

Biological models of love suggest that it is a mammalian drive, similar to hunger or thirst. It’s driven by hormones (such as oxytocin and nitric oxide) and neurotrophins, and is influenced by pheromones and peptides. However, most scientists agree that it is a complex feeling shaped by a variety of cultural and personal experiences and ideas.

Love is a feeling of attachment, compassion and devotion to another person or cause. Generally, it’s a positive feeling that causes us to want to be with the person we love and to support them in their goals and aspirations. It also involves sacrifice, as in the case of a parent loving their child enough to be willing to give them up for lifesaving medical treatment. It may also be a religious or spiritual experience, as in the case of practicing bhakti yoga, a type of Hindu love for the divine.

The earliest psychological theories of love grew out of the work of psychologists such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and Alfred Adler, who studied personality types and patterns in childhood development. Modern researchers have expanded the definition of love to include family, platonic and romantic relationships, as well as altruistic or philanthropic loves such as those for our planet or humanity.

When looking for a life partner, it’s important to prioritize emotional and intellectual compatibility. This can be done by focusing on meaningful conversations, finding shared interests and by expanding your social circle to meet new people who share your values and passions. You can try this by joining social or hobby-based groups, volunteering, taking classes or attending events.

Happiness: A Key to Relationship Success

While it’s important to focus on your own happiness and the happiness of those around you, being too hard on yourself can lead to unhappiness. Similarly, it’s not good to expect too much of your significant other or feel that you need to be perfect to love them. In fact, happy people are often more likely to be self-aware and able to recognize when they’re being less than their best.

They’re more likely to admit their mistakes, take responsibility for their actions and be supportive of their partners when they’re having a rough time. They also know that they’re not a finished product, so they aren’t afraid to let themselves grow and change. They aren’t afraid to be vulnerable or to take risks, and they have an optimistic outlook on life. They also know when to say no and aren’t afraid to walk away from negative people, situations or media.