How to Keep Love Alive

Italian psychologist Robert Sternberg has come up with three-component theory of love. According to the scientist, love comprises three scientifically substantiated components, which are passion, loyalty and intimacy.


Passion is a motivational component based on sexual desire. Loyalty is a cognitive component that stems from the need to have mutual responsibilities and endure hardship together. Intimacy is an emotional component behind spiritual bond, caring and the need to spend time together.

Sternberg says love becomes vulnerable when the motivational component, passion, starts declining. It is crucial to focus on loyalty and intimacy to keep the relationship in this period, according to Sternberg.