When we say we love someone, it can mean many things. It can be an emotional connection, a feeling of protection, a sense of warmth, and even a religious or spiritual belief. Despite this broad variety of interpretations, most people agree that the word ‘love’ has a positive connotation. It’s been a favored topic of philosophers, poets and writers for generations. But a precise definition is difficult to come by. The different meanings and emotions associated with it often conflict with each other, making it hard to consistently define.
When writing about love, it’s important to avoid being too melodramatic. While it may be tempting to describe the way your new partner makes your heart skip a beat, or how their handwriting makes you want to buy them a pen and a notebook so they can write you poems, this type of love essay can quickly become sappy and unoriginal.
It’s also important to differentiate between the different kinds of love. For example, romantic love may include a feeling of euphoria and the release of a jumble of chemicals in the brain, including dopamine, adrenaline and norepinephrine. This can lead to a high energy, a lack of sleep, loss of appetite, trembling and a racing heart. It can be a powerful, rewarding experience – but it can also be painful if the relationship ends.
Another kind of love is companionate, which is based on mutual caring and respect for one another. In some cases, this kind of love can last a lifetime, especially if the two people share similar values and goals. Companionate love may be less intense than passionate love, but it is equally important to the long-term health of a relationship.
Finally, there’s familial love, which is based on the close bond that develops between parents and children during childhood. This type of love is particularly important for human survival. It keeps parents and their offspring bonded, emotionally healthy and committed to one another throughout the challenging period when their children are growing up.
Ultimately, the best kind of love is whatever feels most authentic and true to you. If you’re confident that what you’re experiencing is genuine love and not just infatuation, then the rest should take care of itself. It will grow stronger over time, as you and your romantic interest foster a sense of intimacy, safety and commitment.
This article was written by Sami Ahmed, a writer and researcher with a focus on mental health and relationships. She has a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and is working on her PhD in Couple and Family Therapy. Sami has a passion for mental wellness and believes that the right support can help anyone overcome life’s challenges. She is currently exploring the power of narrative healing in the treatment of trauma and grief.
This piece originally appeared on Psych Central and has been republished with permission.
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