For millennia, philosophers, prophets, and poets have explored love. Today, psychologists study it extensively. They may come at it from different perspectives, examining interpersonal attraction or the bondedness that occurs in loving relationships, or even as part of a wider theory of human bonding, which might include love of family, friends, civic institutions and the natural world.
Despite the debate about the nature of love, researchers have found that it is an emotion characterized by positive emotions such as hope, gratitude, compassion and empathy. These positive emotions lift your mood and can help you cope with negative ones, such as anxiety and sadness. They can also lead to increased physical activity and lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
However, while some researchers emphasize the importance of love in our lives, others point to its limitations. For example, they note that the happiness you feel in romantic love often dips after a few weeks and that happiness is dependent on having something to look forward to, such as a vacation.
In addition, the euphoria that comes with falling in love is often short-lived and can lead to feelings of jealousy or insecurity. In some cases, this can be so intense that it leads to an affair or even a breakup.
One key aspect of loving someone is committing to helping them become their best self. This might mean encouraging them to change their behavior or moving past destructive patterns. It also means supporting them in their struggles, even when it’s not what you want to do. This is sometimes referred to as unconditional love.
For example, when a parent or friend loves someone who is in an abusive relationship, they are committed to helping them move beyond it and build healthy relationships. In this case, the love is based on concern for the person’s spiritual growth and desire to see them happy, even when their actions are harmful to themselves and others.
It takes a lot of work to sustain a healthy, loving relationship. Couples who spend time focusing on the positive aspects of their relationship and addressing issues that need to be addressed can keep their happiness high.
When you think about what it means to love, try to be more generous and kind. Research shows that giving and receiving kindness — such as expressing appreciation, saying “please” and “thank you” and remembering details about people’s lives — increases happiness. Practicing mindfulness, meditation and journaling can also enhance well-being.
