Here’s a simple yet deep research on the types of love and why they happen, based on psychology, biology,
and real-life observations.
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Why Does Love Happen?
Love happens due to a mix of biology, emotions, environment, and personal needs.
1. Biological Reasons
Hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin create feelings of attraction, bonding, and pleasure.
Brain releases these when you're around someone you like or trust.
2. Psychological Reasons
You may be drawn to people who meet your emotional needs (e.g., safety, attention, validation).
Childhood experiences affect what kind of love you seek (e.g., protective love if you lacked safety as a child).
3. Social & Environmental Reasons
Who you meet often (school, work, online) increases attraction. This is called “proximity effect”.
Culture, religion, and family shape your idea of love.
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Types of Love (According to Psychology)
Here are the 8 major types of love, based on Greek philosophy and modern psychology (especially Robert Sternberg’s Triangular
Theory of Love):
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1. Eros (Romantic Love)
Passionate, physical, and emotional love.
Happens when there's strong attraction and desire.
Triggered by physical closeness and chemistry.
> "Butterflies in the stomach" kind of love.
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2. Philia (Deep Friendship)
Soulmate or best-friend kind of love.
Happens over time with shared experiences, trust, and loyalty.
No romance, just deep emotional connection.
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3. Ludus (Playful Love)
Flirtatious, casual love.
Often seen in early stages of dating.
Involves teasing, joking, no serious commitment at first.
> Like teen crushes or summer flings.
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4. Storge (Family Love)
Unconditional love between parents, siblings, and close family.
Based on familiarity, duty, and long-term support.
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5. Pragma (Committed Love)
Mature, practical love.
Grows in long-term relationships like marriage.
Based on trust, compromise, and teamwork.
> "We’re in this together" love.
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6. Mania (Obsessive Love)
Possessive, jealous, insecure love.
Happens when someone fears losing love or is emotionally dependent.
Often linked to trauma or low self-worth.
> Red flag love—intense but unstable.
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7. Agape (Selfless Love)
Unconditional, self-giving love.
Can be spiritual (God’s love), or love for humanity, or parents’ love.
No expectations in return.
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8. Philautia (Self-Love)
How you love yourself.
Healthy self-love = confidence.
Toxic self-love = narcissism.
> Without self-love, no other love stays healthy.
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Bonus: Sternberg’s Love Triangle
Love has 3 parts:
1. Intimacy – emotional closeness
2. Passion – physical/sexual desire
3. Commitment – decision to stay together
Combinations create different types of love:
Type of Love Intimacy Passion Commitment
Romantic Love
Companionate Love
Fatuous Love
Consummate Love
Infatuation
Empty Love
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Summary: Why Love Happens
Reason Explanation
Brain Chemistry Hormones like dopamine & oxytocin create attraction & bonding.
Childhood Experience You’re drawn to what feels familiar (even if it’s unhealthy).
Needs & Desires You look for someone who meets your emotional or physical needs.
Environment You fall for who you spend time with or admire.
Shared Energy Similar vi
be, ambition, or pain connects people.
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