The Dissenter

#1138 Adam Bode: The Science of Romantic Love

Aug 18, 2025
Adam Bode, an interdisciplinary researcher in romantic love and human mating, dives deep into the complexities of love. He distinguishes romantic love from companionate love, revealing its evolutionary roots tied to mother-infant bonding. The discussion uncovers fascinating biological mechanisms at play, supported by neuroimaging studies. Bode also examines the influence of cultural norms on various human mating systems and the intricate dynamics of love, emphasizing the need for more research into the transition from romantic love to marriage.
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INSIGHT

Definition And Distinctive Features

  • Romantic love is a motivational state with intense cognitions, emotions, and behaviors tied to reproductive functions.
  • It contrasts with companionate love and commonly appears in early relationship stages or as unrequited love.
INSIGHT

Typical Duration Estimate

  • Romantic love duration is unclear due to limited longitudinal research, but evidence suggests about 18 months on average.
  • There is individual variation, with some people experiencing love shorter or longer than that window.
INSIGHT

Core Psychological Signs

  • Common features include desire for reciprocity, hypomanic-like elevated mood and arousal, obsessive thinking, and idealization of the partner.
  • These cognitive and emotional patterns drive pursuit and commitment behaviors in early relationships.
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