The concept of love is complex and multifaceted, and it can be understood from various perspectives. Here are some key aspects of love as described in different sources:

Emotional and Behavioral Aspects

Love is often defined as a set of emotions and behaviors characterized by intimacy, passion, and commitment. According to psychologist Kendra Cherry, love involves:

• Intimacy: A feeling of closeness, which can be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual.
• Passion: A strong emotion that includes dedication or commitment.
• Commitment: Involves care, closeness, protectiveness, attraction, affection, and trust13.

Willing the Good of the Other

In the Christian tradition, as explained by Thomas Aquinas, love is about willing the good of the person you love. This means working toward what is best for that person, even if it does not align with their immediate desires. For example, a parent showing love by ensuring their child eats a balanced diet rather than just desserts. Love also involves rejoicing in the good that is in the other person2.

Mindset and Choice

Love can be seen as a mindset that we choose to adopt. It is an expression of affection and a decision to prioritize the needs of others over our own. This mindset involves vulnerability, trust, and a willingness to make sacrifices for the people we love1.

Attachment, Caring, and Intimacy

Psychologist Zick Rubin breaks down romantic love into three elements:

• Attachment: The need to be with another person and the desire for approval and physical contact.
• Caring: Valuing the other person’s happiness and needs as much as your own.
• Intimacy: Sharing private thoughts, feelings, and desires with another person, which requires honesty, vulnerability, and trust1.

Delight and Movement Toward the Good

Love is not just about desiring the good for the other person but also delighting in the good that is in them. This dual aspect of love—willing the good and rejoicing in the good—captures the essence of true love, whether it is directed toward other people or toward God2.

Power and Sacrifice

Love has the power to motivate us to prioritize someone else’s needs over our own, leading to sacrifices and a shift from self-focus to focusing on the needs of another person. It also involves trusting the other person not to harm us, as described by the Urban Dictionary: "giving someone the power to destroy you, and trusting them not to"1.

In summary, love is a complex interplay of emotions, behaviors, and choices that involve intimacy, passion, commitment, willing the good of the other, and delighting in the good that is in them. It is a powerful force that can motivate us to make significant sacrifices and prioritize the well-being of others.