The document describes Robert Sternberg's triangular theory of love, which identifies seven types of love based on combinations of three components: passion, intimacy, and commitment. The seven types are: liking (intimacy only), empty love (commitment only), infatuation (passion only), companionate love (intimacy and commitment), fatuous love (passion and commitment), romantic love (passion and intimacy), and consummate love (all three components, described as the ideal type of love).

1. 7 TYPES OF LOVE SLIDES Sternberg’s Triarchic
Theory

2. “LOVING” ANOTHER
Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of
Love
Passion
Intimacy
Commitment
Combinations create 7 different types
of love

3. Types of Love Passion Intimacy Commitment
Liking X
Liking is intimacy only – consider a friend that you share your feelings
with

4. Types of Love Passion Intimacy Commitment
Liking X
Companionate
love
X X
Companionate love: Intimacy and commitment – consider a best friend (share
feelings with and are committed to supporting), a family member, or someone you
have ‘fallen out of love with’ (hence the phrase, “I love you, but I’m not IN love with
you.” This phrase can be used for any other than the very last – but we hear it often
with this particular combo)

5. Types of Love Passion Intimacy Commitment
Liking X
Companionate
love
X X
Empty love X
Empty love: commitment only – consider a couple ‘staying together for the kids’ or
someone you no longer have passion for and don’t really communicate feelings with.

6. Types of Love Passion Intimacy Commitment
Liking X
Companionate
love
X X
Empty love X
Fatuous love X X
Fatuous love: passion and commitment – sexual feelings towards and committed to support,
but no emotional connection. Consider young love (often lacks intimacy) or love towards
someone that is emotionally unavailable (or maybe you just feel more comfy sharing
emotions with a friend instead)

7. Types of Love Passion Intimacy Commitment
Liking X
Companionate
love
X X
Empty love X
Fatuous love X X
Infatuation X
Infatuation: passion only – sometimes called, ‘love from afar’ as you might have a sexual
desire for this celebrity or person, but no access to emotional sharing or support for
commitment. Consider a one night stand (passion, but no desire for more or a repeat)

8. Types of Love Passion Intimacy Commitment
Liking X
Companionate
love
X X
Empty love X
Fatuous love X X
Infatuation X
Romantic love X X
Romantic Love: passion and intimacy – sometimes called, ‘puppy love’ (desires and
emotions, but too young to grasp the commitment).

9. Types of Love Passion Intimacy Commitment
Liking X
Companionate X X
Empty love X
Fatuous love X X
Infatuation X
Romantic love X X
Consummate
love
X X X
Consummate love: all (3) components. ‘ideal love’ and what most people seek.