Love is an intense feeling of affection and deep connection between two people. It is a universal emotion that affects men and women. It can be a feeling of deep, unbridled joy or a pained, heart-wrenching sadness.
The definition of love has evolved over the years, but the essence is still the same: It’s an intense, deep affection that can be felt by everyone in one way or another. It can be a feeling of love for someone you just met, the person who rescued you from an abusive relationship, or a friend who’s always there for you.
It can also be a feeling of love for something you have created or achieved. It could be a creative project, a romantic dream, or the team you cheer on when they win.
While it’s not the most common form of love, this kind of affection can lead to strong bonding and closeness between people. It is considered to be a form of pragma, and it develops over time as relationships grow closer and deeper.
During the early stages of romantic love, people often feel an overwhelming desire to do everything for their mate and give them all of their attention. This can be fueled by the rush of oxytocin, the hormone that creates feelings of closeness and intimacy.
But as a licensed therapist in New York City, Adrienne Michelle, LCSW, explains, this type of attachment can sometimes cause problems in romantic relationships. “It’s important to take a step back and make sure that the needs of your partner are being met,” she says. This can mean taking care of your own needs, too.
If you want to keep the love alive, try to be more open and vulnerable with your partner. This can be difficult, especially if you are used to being more guarded with your feelings. But it will be worth the effort in the long run, therapists say.
You may notice that you’re looking forward to spending time with them every day. This is a sign of enduring love, and it can also indicate you’re ready to make this relationship work, therapists say.
The chemistry of intimacy and commitment is closely intertwined, so strengthening one area can help you improve the others. That’s why therapists recommend starting with intimacy, and then moving on to commitment, as soon as possible.
When you first meet your lover, it’s important to let them know how much you like them and want to spend time with them. This can be as simple as saying, “I really like you.” It’s also a good idea to start talking about your goals together and what you would like your life to look like in the future.
It is a good idea to set aside some time each day, even if it’s just an hour, to talk about things that matter to you and your love interest. This can be something as simple as asking them how they’re feeling or sharing a funny memory.