Since the dawn of time, people have beenfalling in love(and out of it).
What Is Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love?
According to the theory, love is based on three things: intimacy, passion, and commitment.
Those three concepts likely seem self-explanatory, but it’s worth breaking them down a bit more.
“Without passion and commitment, you get mere friendship.
Without commitment and passion, you get a lustful version of love which is only physical.
Passion may die, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be resurrected with some effort.
Further, Sternberg’s concept of “consummate love” also stresses the importance of consistently expressing that love.
“It’s clear that passion can only take you so far.
When partners rely on physical attraction to keep a relationship alive, hurt and disappointment ultimately arise.
Staying grounded in reality is important in maintaining the best version of your relationship possible.
Anyone who’s been in love or been in a relationship might find this a little dramatic or extreme.
“Sternberg doesn’t specify the ratios in which these components must exist,” says Sullivan.
Basically, there’s no one way to love.
Is Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love Still Relevant Today?
It was a different time in every sense of the word.
Despite these societal changes in relationships and dating, the theory has actually become more accepted over time.
