Many scientists and social sciences have attempted to answer this question, but they still don’t know exactly what makes someone’s heart go pitter-patter for another person. There are theories of attraction and likability, but there’s more to love than that.
Generally, most people will agree that they love their family and best friends. In fact, it is often these relationships that provide the best example of how to love others well. This kind of love is not about sexual or romantic attraction, but about a deep relationship. It is based on trust and mutual respect, with an appreciation for each other’s differences and a desire to see the other grow and achieve their full potential.
It may come as a surprise that this type of love can exist outside of marriage. People also feel this kind of love for their parents, siblings, and even their pets. These relationships are not as structured or formal as a marriage, but they can be just as meaningful. It is a love that is based on a mutual commitment to the other’s success and happiness, which is more of a lifestyle choice than an emotional state.
Some people may confuse the feelings of this type of love with a need to control or possess the other person, which is known as toxic behavior. This is a very real problem that is sometimes caused by miscommunication and unfulfilled needs. The bottom line is that this type of love can be dangerous for the health of a relationship and the people involved.
This is not to be confused with the loving feeling that most people have for their children and spouses. The love for one’s children is a form of parental love, and it has been proven that this is a necessary part of the human experience. It is a love that develops from the strong attachment bonds between parents and their offspring, which is why it is important for the long-term survival of the species.
While there are many definitions of love, most agree that it is an emotion characterized by caring and sacrifice for the benefit of the other person. This is the kind of love that is often seen in a healthy romantic relationship, as well as in the love that a parent feels for his or her child.
Whether it’s romantic, familial, or platonic, the most important thing is that you make the effort to know the other person on a personal level. You want to know them, warts and all, and you’re willing to share your own secrets with them. It is a selfless act that takes you out of your own navel-gazing and allows you to admire and appreciate the beauty of another person, even if they’re not exactly what you’d choose for yourself.
People who report the most happiness in life tend to be those who take risks and have flexible mindsets about what they can achieve. They are curious, but they’re not afraid of failure. They strive to meet goals, but they’re also able to find joy in the journey and the small victories along the way.
