Do you believe in romantic love?

[barnumandbailey]

Parental love is a well-established evolutionary necessity, but what about “romantic” love—specifically that of the enduring, long-term flavor?

Is it nothing more than a simple mechanism for the propagation of a species, or is there additional significance?



Fairly simple question, but interesting topic. Post your thoughts.

[Graywolf]

Every emotion is a result of evolution and a mixture of neurotransmitters. No.

[LittleDarkAge]

I think there is a lot to consider. For example, men seem to love women in a more platonic way, whereas women love men in a more superficial way (she wants resources and protection to bring up her offspring well). Men and women definitely don't love each other in the same way.

[barnumandbailey]

I think there is a lot to consider. For example, men seem to love women in a more platonic way, whereas women love men in a more superficial way (she wants resources and protection to bring up her offspring well). Men and women definitely don't love each other in the same way.

I agree with this for the most part — men derive an addicting sense of accomplishment when they’re reassured that they’re the ‘protector’, provider, etc. However, where does sex fit into the equation? Would you consider that to be a separate argument?

It’s also been said that men are more visually-oriented than women, but I think that, too, is up for debate.

[slaog]

Every emotion is a result of evolution and a mixture of neurotransmitters. No.

Mind comes before matter.

[Celestia]

There’s the honeymoon phase which is what romantic love is usually associated with. People who can’t seem to get enough of one another.. there’s a lot of passion and intensity involved but it never lasts.

Real and unconditional love is hard work, it’s ugly, but somehow you seem to make it work. It is settling in a sense but I guess you realize you don’t want to settle with anyone else. This comes with years.

[barnumandbailey]

There’s the honeymoon phase which is what romantic love is usually associated with. People who can’t seem to get enough of one another.. there’s a lot of passion and intensity involved but it never lasts.

Real and unconditional love is hard work, it’s ugly, but somehow you seem to make it work. It is settling in a sense but I guess you realize you don’t want to settle with anyone else. This comes with years.

Off topic, but I love your current profile picture!

[Longbowman]

Obviously, yes.

BTW, why is paternal love an 'evolutionary necessity?' Some people don't have it.

No love is truly unconditional after the first few months, doesn't mean it's not real.

[Jon96]

I agree with this for the most part — men derive an addicting sense of accomplishment when they’re reassured that they’re the ‘protector’, provider, etc. However, where does sex fit into the equation? Would you consider that to be a separate argument?

It’s also been said that men are more visually-oriented than women, but I think that, too, is up for debate.

Any scientific evidence to back your first sentence?

Anyways, homosexual love is also really pure and I've seen many gay couples that love each other a lot and share very
strong bonds. So, what about that?

[barnumandbailey]

Obviously, yes.

BTW, why is paternal love an 'evolutionary necessity?' Some people don't have it.

No love is truly unconditional after the first few months, doesn't mean it's not real.

First off, my original statement concerns parental, not ‘paternal’ love — not sure if that was a typo on your end.

I have absolutely nothing to back that statement up with, but it makes sense when I think about it — if a parent didn’t love their child, then they’d be less likely to look after it, thereby decreasing their offspring’s chances for survival. This, to me, seems counterintuitive when considering the propagation of the human species.

Also, while I understand that not everyone experiences love for their child, this does not seem to be the prevailing sentiment — these people are thankfully in the minority, as opposed to the majority.