According to Sternberg's theory of love, which three components are vital?

Sternberg's theory of love identifies three essential components that are crucial for the experience and understanding of romantic love, which are passion, intimacy, and commitment.

Passion refers to the emotional and physical attraction one feels towards another person, often characterized by physical arousal and desire. This component is often the most immediate and intense part of love but can fluctuate over time.

Intimacy encompasses the feelings of closeness, connectedness, and bond that individuals share in a relationship, which promotes a sense of mutual understanding, support, and sharing of personal thoughts and feelings. It is foundational for a strong emotional connection between partners.

Commitment is the decision to maintain the relationship over time and to work through challenges together. This component involves both short-term decisions (e.g., the decision to be in a relationship) and long-term commitments (e.g., planning a future together).

Together, these three components create a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of love in relationships. The presence and balance of passion, intimacy, and commitment can lead to different types of love experiences, such as romantic love or companionate love, depending on how each component is represented.