Love is alive and kicking

I posted a quote from Irving Yalom a couple days ago and novapsychechallenged Dr. Yalom's definition of romantic love.  I told her I'd find a link to the stages of love.   I found something even better.

Triangular Theory of Love

I find this to be intuitively correct from my own personal experiences.   It does a good job at separating out different styles I've seen in various relationships.   

So using the triangular theory, I would explain that a lack of commitment is what makes romantic love unrealistic in the long term.   I should have included the complete quote, which compares romantic love to darkness.  Nothing wrong with mystery, but long term relationships don't survive on mystery, they survive on clear communication and trust.

People would strive to have all three dimensions in their relationship(s).    I think most long term couples probably vacillate between the last three listed.  I do know couples who are in the empty love category.   Sad name, but the relationships I'm thinking of do seem devoid of any passion or intimacy.

Doogie Howser of the Romantic Period

I've never thought about writing a story based on a real person before, but I think this guy deserves a more sympathetic treatment than what he's received so far.

John Polidori

He was a medical doctor at nineteen.   I know you're jealous.