--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In psychologist Robert Sternberg's…" description: "\"“In psychologist Robert Sternberg's triangular theory of love, he identifies three characteristics: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion is defin..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/susan-shapiro-barash-47375_love_in-psychologist-robert-sternberg-s-trian_2977374.jpg" --- # In psychologist Robert Sternberg's triangular theory of… ![“In psychologist Robert Sternberg's triangular theory of love, he identifies three characteristics: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion is defined as physical attraction and sexual connection, intimacy as the sense of being close and bonded, and commitment as the decision to be together…” quote by Susan Shapiro Barash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/susan-shapiro-barash-47375_love_in-psychologist-robert-sternberg-s-trian_2977374.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/susan-shapiro-barash-47375_love_in-psychologist-robert-sternberg-s-trian_2977374.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f78/susan-shapiro-barash-47375_love_in-psychologist-robert-sternberg-s-trian_2977374.jpg) > ““In psychologist Robert Sternberg's triangular theory of love, he identifies three characteristics: passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion is defined as physical attraction and sexual connection, intimacy as the sense of being close and bonded, and commitment as the decision to be together exclusively. As a romantic relationship moves through time, one of these three characteristics is carrying the most weight. Accordingly, although romantic love offers both intimacy and passion/sex, commitment is needed to complete the triangle.”” [Susan Shapiro Barash](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-shapiro-barash/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Love evolves; initially passion and intimacy dominate, but lasting relationships rely on commitment to sustain the bond. **In simple terms:** Commitment is essential for lasting love. Key Takeaway Prioritize commitment for enduring relationships. Themes love relationships commitment psychology triangular theory Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical educational When to use this quote - dating - marriage counseling - long‑term partnership - relationship education Key Concepts attachment theory relationship development triangular theory of love Questions to Reflect On - How can couples nurture commitment without losing passion? - What role does intimacy play after commitment is established? A Different Perspective Commitment alone may not resolve underlying incompatibilities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Characteristics Passion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/characteristics-passion-4613954/) [Intimacy Commitment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intimacy-commitment-4487264/) [Intimacy Passion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intimacy-passion-976128/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Passion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/passion/) [Passion Intimacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/passion-intimacy-2957720/) [Physical attraction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physical-attraction/) [Relationships](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/relationships/) [Romance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romance/) [Romantic love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romantic-love/) [Romantic relationship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romantic-relationship/) ## Related quotes > [“It was the chance--just the chance--to come fully alive; to love someone else so completely that you would never again feel alone. 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