love

Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that encompasses a range of positive and strong feelings, from affection and attachment to deep personal care. It can involve attraction to another person as well as concern for the well-being of others, including family, friends, and oneself. The term is used across cultures to describe various forms of interpersonal connection, including romantic love, familial love, friendship, and self-love.

Romantic love typically combines attraction, desire for closeness, and a long-term commitment, and it often evolves through stages from initial infatuation to deeper attachment. Companionate or life-partner love emphasizes trust, stability, and shared values. Familial love refers to bonds among family members. Platonic love denotes affection without sexual desire. Self-love is regard for one's own well-being and worth.

Several theories attempt to explain love's nature and development. Sternberg's triangular theory describes three components—intimacy, passion, and commitment—that combine in different ways to form different kinds of love. Attachment theory explains how early experiences with caregivers shape patterns of bonding in adulthood, influencing expectations in relationships. Evolutionary perspectives view love as a mechanism for mate selection, bonding, and parental cooperation.

Biologically, love involves neurochemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine in early attraction, and oxytocin and vasopressin in bonding and trust, along with endorphins that contribute to feelings of comfort.

Culturally, expressions of love and norms surrounding dating, marriage, and affection vary widely and have changed over time. Love is also discussed in moral, religious, and philosophical contexts, where it is seen as virtue, obligation, or theoretical ideal.

Positive relationships can contribute to well-being and resilience, while conflicts, loss, or unreciprocated feelings can cause distress. The concept remains central to human experience and social life.