Understanding Love: A Therapeutic Look at Sternberg’s Triangular Theory As a counselor, love is a topic that finds its way into many sessions—whether it’s the absence of it, the complexity of it, or the pain of watching it change. One of the most helpful models I’ve come across, both for understanding my own relationships and helping clients reflect on theirs, is Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love. This theory breaks love down into three fundamental components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Each can exist independently, in pairs, or all together. The shape of a person’s “love triangle” helps us make sense of the type of love they’re experiencing—or craving. The Three Pillars of Love Intimacy is the emotional bond between people—the sense of closeness, connection, and trust that allows someone to feel seen and safe. It’s the long talk after a hard day, the way someone remembers your coffee order, or the comfort of sitting in silence with a friend who gets you. Often in session, clients confuse intimacy with sexual closeness, but this part of the triangle is about emotional vulnerability and friendship. It’s what makes someone feel known. Passion is the spark—physical attraction, infatuation, sexual energy. It’s what fuels […]
The Impetus and Solution to Divorce in Modern Culture
The Impetus and Solution to Divorce in Modern Culture For most of human history, marriage was not a matter of personal fulfillment — it was a practical alliance. Across approximately 6,000 years, unions were formed based on political strategy, financial gain, family legacy, and social survival. Love, as we now understand it, rarely factored into the decision. Only within the past 150 years has the notion of marrying for love gained cultural traction. The emergence of romantic ideals — popularized by literature such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice — signaled a shift in societal expectations. For the first time, emotional connection and personal desire became not only valid but central to the concept of a successful marriage. Marriage as a Central Source of Fulfillment This cultural shift also restructured where individuals look for emotional fulfillment. Historically, people met their needs for connection, intimacy, support, novelty, and deep friendship through a network of family and community. A spouse was one part of that system — not the entirety of it. In contrast, the modern marriage model places a heavy burden on one relationship to fulfill nearly all aspects of personal well-being. This change is significant, and, as the data shows, […]