If we apply his theory and use our knowledge of development to date, love is composed of three elements: intimacy, passion and commitment. Various combinations of these three elements result in different types of love.

How might we explain the relationship of people who live together?

People who live together might exhibit varying degrees of the three elements of Sternberg’s theory. They might have high levels of intimacy and commitment, with or without passion. This could be classified as companionate love or consummate love depending on the presence of passion.

Why might they make this choice?

People may choose to live together for various reasons such as financial convenience, a desire for companionship, or to test compatibility before making a commitment to marriage.

What about casual dating? Where does that fit into the model?

Casual dating might fit into infatuated love (passion alone) or liking (intimacy alone) in Sternberg’s model, depending on whether the relationship is primarily driven by physical attraction or emotional closeness.

Same-sex partners?

The model applies to same-sex partners as well as it does to heterosexual partners. Love, as defined by intimacy, passion, and commitment, is not different based on the gender of the participants.

Single parents?

Single parents can experience all forms of love as outlined by Sternberg. They could have intimacy, passion, and commitment for a partner, or they may have commitment and intimacy for their child.

What about married couples?

Married couples ideally fit into Sternberg’s consummate love, which includes all three elements: intimacy, passion, and commitment. However, over time, the passion component may wane, resulting in companionate love.

Can a couple attain the level that Sternberg believes is the ideal? How? Can it be sustained?**

Yes, a couple can attain consummate love, which Sternberg considers ideal, by developing and maintaining all three components. This requires active effort and communication from both partners. Sustaining it can be challenging, particularly maintaining passion over a long period. However, it is possible with continuous effort, understanding, and the willingness to adapt and grow together.

In what ways do you think that gender differences influence intimacy?

Gender can influence intimacy in various ways due to socialization and societal expectations. For instance, women are often socialized to express emotions more openly, which might facilitate intimacy. Men, on the other hand, may be encouraged to suppress their emotions, which might make it harder for them to establish intimate connections. However, these are broad generalizations and individual differences are significant.

In what ways does our early developmental experience of relationships influence later relationships?

Early developmental experiences, particularly attachment styles, significantly influence later relationships. Securely attached individuals often have healthy, fulfilling relationships, while those with insecure attachment styles may struggle. For example, individuals with anxious attachment may be overly dependent on their partners, while those with avoidant attachment may struggle to form close relationships.