Romantic Relationship Case Study

Figure 6.5 Types of Love, According to Sternberg’s Triangular Model.

1. Nonlove- A relationship in which the components of love are absent. Most personal relationships are of this type—casual interactions, classmates, co-workers, or acquaintances.

2. Liking- An experience with another person such as a friendship in which intimacy is present, but passion and commitment are lacking.

3. Infatuation- “Love at first sight,” in which one experiences passionate desire in the absence of intimacy and commitment.

4. Empty love- Commitment (to maintain the relationship) in the absence of passion or intimacy. Stagnant relationships with decaying emotional intimacy or physical attraction are of this type.

5. Romantic love- The combination of passion and intimacy but not commitment.

6. Companionate love- A kind of love characterized by intimacy and commitment. It often occurs in long-term relationships in which passion has waned and been replaced by a kind of committed friendship.

7. Fatuous love- The type of love associated with whirlwind romances and “quickie marriages” in which passion and commitment are present, but intimacy is not.

8. Consummate love- The full or complete measure of love involving the combination of passion, intimacy, and commitment.