Running head: ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP CASE STUDY 1

Romantic Relationship Case Study

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Romantic Relationship Case Study

Sternberg's triangular theory of love attempts to define and explain all kinds of love and

how to understand them (Sternberg, 1986). Love is considered the most complex and confusing

emotion that psychology tries to understand. Dr. Robert Sternberg developed the triangular

theory of love in the late 1980s based on various loving relationships (Forsythe, 2019).

According to Sternberg, love comprises three components which include intimacy, passion, and

commitment. It also includes eight different types of love, which are presented differently in the

relationship triangle. Therefore, Sternberg's triangular theory of love is an effective model of

understanding love in a romantic relationship.

Sternberg's eight kinds of love include non-love, friendship, infatuation, empty love,

romantic love, companionate love, fatuous and consummate love. These types of love are

explained by the different combinations of the three elements of love. First, non-love lacks all

the three components of love in Sternberg's triangular theory of love. They are relationships with

acquaintances that one interacts with but has no real relationship with them. It is the first stage of

all relationships before the three elements of love become present (Forsythe, 2019). Second,

friendship lacks passion and commitment. However, it contains intense intimacy where

individuals enjoy the feeling of closeness and trust.

Thirdly, infatuation is a step towards a romantic relationship characterized by the element

of intimacy and commitment. It disappears when it lacks both elements of love. Additionally,

empty love lacks intimacy and passion and is often a deterioration of a stronger love that still

contains commitment. Romantic love is a relationship filled with passion and intimacy.

Furthermore, romantic lovers are emotionally and physically bonded by passionate arousal

(Forsythe, 2019). On the other hand, compassionate love lacks passion but is profoundly
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intimate and committed. It is similar to friendship but is more robust due to the element of

commitment.

Moreover, fatuous love is similar to infatuation but contains the element of commitment.

Such relationships are motivated by passion but the element of intimacy making them unstable.

Most of these relationships eventually fail unless they stabilize intimacy. Lastly, consummate

love is the complete form of love because it contains all the elements of love. Couples who enjoy

this love are committed, passionate, and deeply intimate with each other. They also engage in sex

for more than a decade without getting bored. However, Sternberg (1986) warns that maintaining

consummate love is complicated and may not be permanent if one element is lost. He stresses

that such a relationship requires more action than words.

According to Forsythe (2019), every relationship is unique, and only its members can

understand it. A case study of Cristine and Michael shows that they share a romantic and

consummate relationship. Many couples have admired their relationship, and all wish to have

such in their marriage relationships. The couple met at a law firm where Michael worked as an

accountant and Christine worked as an intern. They started as friends before growing into a

romantic relationship. Three years into courtship, Michael proposed to Christine and got married

a few months later. They later got blessed with two daughters, Chloe and Mary. Their romantic

relationship grew to a consummate relationship that both now call true love.

Cristine and Michael have one of the perfect relationships but experience troubles at

some points. For instance, Michael losses his job for six months, and Christine is burdened with

taking care of the family before Michael got back to his feet. The family experienced a few

hardships to the financial setback but managed to maintain love (Forsythe, 2019). Christine was

very understanding and patient with Michael after his job loss. She kept consoling and
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motivating him throughout the six months. On the other hand, Michael never lost hope and

continued to secure another job after losing the previous one. Michael and Christine undoubtedly

went through hardships just like any other relationship.

However, during such downfalls, they rekindled the relationship by creating time for each

other despite their busy schedules. The love and joy that the family has kept together through

such difficult and tempting times. The most admirable thing in their relationship is how they

manage to find time for their families despite their long working hours (Forsythe, 2019). The

passion that Cristine and Michael maintain in the family rekindles their love life every day. The

couple has successfully managed to balance intimacy, passion, and commitment to make them

last even longer together. They have created an unbreakable bond between themselves and their

families.

Michael and Christine also keep their love in check by maintaining and showing romantic

gestures to each other. Michael surprises Christine by gifting her flowers regularly and taking her

on dinner dates during the weekends. Christine also reciprocates the gestures by buying Michael

presents and surprising him at work. Furthermore, both Michael and Christine maintain a healthy

relationship with their daughters by bonding with them regularly. They also go on family

vacations during the holidays and engaged in various family bonding activities. Michael and

Christine's consummate love is perfect since both enjoy passion throughout their relationship and

are committed to facing any challenges together (Forsythe, 2019).

Sternberg's triangular theory of love shows that all kinds of love are built on three

essential elements: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Moreover, different elements might be

achieved or lost as the relationship progress. Therefore, couples should learn Sternberg's theory

of love to help them understand their relationships, identify their weakness and strengths,
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identify the areas that require improvement, avoid pitfalls and recognize the time to end a

relationship.

References

Forsythe, F. (2019, July 09). Sternberg's triangular theory of love and 8 kinds of love. Retrieved

May 25, 2021, from https://www.lifeadvancer.com/sternberg-triangular-theory-of-love-

kinds-love/

Sternberg, R. J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological review, 93(2), 119. DOI:

https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0033-295X.93.2.119