Theories of love can refer to several psychological and sociological theories: Attachment theory Color wheel theory of love (based on the 1973 book The Colors of Love by John Lee) Compassionate vs. passionate love theory (based on research by Elaine Hatfield) Filter theory Reward theory of attraction Rubin's scale of liking and love (based on research by Zick Rubin) Triangular theory of love Vulnerability and care theory of love
Love
Love is a complex, ever-changing concept that has evolved over the course of time. Different societies, cultures, and eras have attached different values to the word and have different perspectives on the concept. In the 17th century, one's family would pick the person one was going to marry based on social class and economic status. In some cultures, girls are married by the age of fourteen or even younger. In traditional definitions of love, love has been compared to God because of the power it has over those who believe in it. Love has the ability to be the source of human happiness, a sense of worth, and a source of healing from hurt or suffering.
In the 18th century, romantic love expressed sensibility and authenticity as it stood for "the truth of feeling". Many people view love as the reason for living. Symbolic interaction theorists believe that shared meanings, orientations, and assumptions form the basic motives behind people's actions. Cultural norms regarding the experience of love vary so that the emphasis in relationships is on sexual attraction, romantic courtship, intimate friendship, or commitment.
Although love can be the motive for some people's actions and bring people joy, love can also bring us sadness. "Love does us no good if we love the wrong person." When people open their hearts and show their flaws, vulnerabilities, and weaknesses to the wrong person, it can result in heartbreak, then causing feelings of regret. So why do humans deal with such a complicated thing such as love? Humans "need to love and to be loved".
The four types of love described in philosophy include agape, phileo, storge, and eros. Agape is a type of unconditional love that is less common in society but more apparent between individuals and their god. Phileo is a love used to describe friendship between individuals. This love is commonly seen between friends in public, especially as displays of warm gestures. Storge is another type of love that is expressed through parenting. Eros is a romantic love that was a type of love forbidden in early society and is still forbidden in some societies today. These different types of love are expressed differently based on culture.
Culture
Love is expressed in a multitude of forms, dependent on location and societal norms. Expressions of love can include acts such as self-sacrifice, compromise, courting, kissing, sex, and physical contact. Different cultures have adopted different customs; for instance, in Japan, public displays of affection are discouraged, and individuals typically express adoration in private. In France, people show their love by holding hands, kissing, and initiating sexual relationships. The United States has a different perspective on love. People believe in going on dates, having casual sex, and are open to meeting new people on social media or dating apps. Customs in the U.S. are generally more liberal when compared to other parts of the world. Marital traditions are largely cultural as well.
Marriage customs
Marriage is a legally binding union of two individuals who have commit to each other as partners in a personal relationship. However, the definition of marriage varies widely by culture, region, and jurisdiction. In the 19th century, many marriages were enforced by the parents of the individuals to satisfy political or economic factors in families. In India, arranged marriages and dowries remain a current practice. Elopement, also known as love marriage, has increased substantially in some parts of India. Marriage in Japan is more liberal in relation to arranged marriage, initially beginning with courtship that would allow love to develop, then eventually lead to marriage. In the United States, marriage customs vary, dependent on the desires of the individuals family, the individuals cultural background, and societal pressures.