Which type of Sternberg's love is characterized by passion but no intimacy or commitment?

Which type of Sternberg's love is characterized by passion but no intimacy or commitment?

• A. Liking
• B. Empty love
• C. Infatuation
• D. Consummate love

Answer: (C)

In Sternberg's triangular theory of love, love is built from three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. When you have passion but lack intimacy and commitment, that pattern is infatuation. It means there’s strong attraction, excitement, and arousal toward someone, often felt vividly and quickly, but there isn’t deep closeness or a plan for a long-term relationship yet. That’s why infatuation is the best fit for passion without intimacy or commitment. By contrast, liking involves intimacy without passion or commitment; empty love involves commitment without intimacy or passion; consummate love includes all three components.

In Sternberg's triangular theory of love, love is built from three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. When you have passion but lack intimacy and commitment, that pattern is infatuation. It means there’s strong attraction, excitement, and arousal toward someone, often felt vividly and quickly, but there isn’t deep closeness or a plan for a long-term relationship yet. That’s why infatuation is the best fit for passion without intimacy or commitment. By contrast, liking involves intimacy without passion or commitment; empty love involves commitment without intimacy or passion; consummate love includes all three components.