The word love has several meanings, and some people have mixed combinations of these styles. According to English philosopher F.H. Bradley, love is the conscious experience of the Absolute, the state of self-awareness and the relationship between the object and subject becoming one. All other experiences are ‘appearances’ and do not represent love. As such, love is an elusive concept, with no one-size-fits-all definition.
Many people have a romantic image of love, but the truth is that this experience can be very different from what it is usually depicted to be. Love has many different faces, from the incredibly romantic to the painfully toxic. Although love is free, it can lead to a lot of toxic behavior. Love that leads to a destructive relationship is not really love at all. And the intensity of this experience can be even more profound during one’s youth.
The brain areas responsible for rewarding people who are in love show signs of being in the same regions as those responsible for addiction to drugs. The same is true for in-love individuals, showing images of the person they are in love with to activate the same brain regions as those used by drug addicts. While this research is far from conclusive, it does reveal the neurobiological basis for love. If we are truly in love, the effects of the adversity we experience can intensify romantic attraction.
The Bible speaks about love in many ways. In the Bible, love is referred to as God’s love, the love of Christ, and brotherly love. The Bible defines love as “self-denial, self-sacrificing,” and the opposite of hate. Love is a complex emotion with several facets, which make it difficult to define and apply. In the West, the word “love” is a celebrated holiday on February 14th.
As humans, we’re social creatures and have a profound fascination with love. Love is a choice, and it may be temporary or permanent. It can be culturally instilled or biologically programmed. It’s important to remember that love differs from culture to culture and between individuals. It may be innate or acquired through social conditioning or can be learned. Sometimes love is uncontrollable. However, we are often able to choose to love and be with our beloved.
Research into the science of love has progressed since Freud’s remarks. Early explorations into love faced considerable criticism. In the United States, a U.S. senator derided the work as a waste of taxpayer dollars. The researchers concluded that romantic love can affect the brain in similar ways to cocaine. Thus, love has biological and evolutionary basis. If you’re considering a relationship, consider what your partner does for you and your relationship.
While romantic love is deeply personal, it can be fleeting. In some cases, it occurs at the early stages of a relationship, and may develop into lasting love. The intensity of passion and desire for the other person are the primary signs of passionate love. It can also develop into intense physical closeness. Compassionate love involves mutual trust, affection and a sense of commitment. You may even feel deeply connected with someone and want to share your life with them.
