If you ask most people to define love, they probably can’t agree on one definitive definition. But there’s a general understanding that it includes a deep affection and attachment to someone else, and that it often includes a desire to protect and support that person even when they do things you don’t like. Love is the force that keeps us going through tough times, and it’s also what gives meaning to our lives and makes them worthwhile.
Many different types of love exist, from familial love (the love you have for your parents, siblings, children, or spouse) to platonic love (the kind you have for friends). Love can also be a feeling that comes from being infatuated with someone, which may be triggered by a rise in the brain chemical serotonin and the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin during romantic interactions. In addition to a sense of attachment and bonding, this kind of love can also lead to a desire to spend more time with the person, and even daydreaming about them.
While these types of love can be very real and powerful, they’re usually not what most people think of when they talk about “love.” Most people tend to think about the love they have for a specific person, whether it’s their significant other, best friend, or pet. This type of love often comes with a sense of trust and security, which helps create a strong bond that allows people to openly communicate their feelings without fear of rejection or betrayal.
Even though this form of love can be difficult at times, it’s important to remember that it’s a healthy way to relate to others and can lead to long-term stability. This kind of love can also be beneficial from an evolutionary standpoint, since it helps promote pair bonding and parental investment in offspring.
Another key aspect of this type of love is its permanence, which means that it doesn’t fade over time. In fact, it often strengthens and deepens as the two people get to know each other better and build a foundation of trust and security. This type of love is based on mutual respect, vulnerability, and a desire to celebrate each other for who they are.
When writing a story, it’s important to consider what kind of love you want your characters to exhibit. If you’re just relying on a feeling to portray a character’s love, it’s likely that your audience will lose interest in the story quickly. Instead, try to focus on the actions your characters take and how they treat each other. This will help your readers connect with your characters and truly feel the depth of their relationship. If possible, use vivid descriptions to convey these emotions and bring them into the story so they can experience it firsthand. For example, describe the way your character looks at their loved one or how they hold their hand. The more your readers feel the intensity of your characters’ emotions, the more they’ll be invested in your story.