Is Love Universal? A question that is one of humanity’s most enduring mysteries—something we all feel yet struggle to define. It has inspired centuries of art, literature, and music, capturing the deepest recesses of the human heart. But is love a universal emotion, hardwired into our biology, or is it shaped by the unique cultural contexts in which we live?
This question isn’t just academic; it touches on how we connect with others and the way societies structure relationships. Some argue that love transcends cultural differences, grounded in evolutionary imperatives. Others believe that how we perceive and experience love is heavily influenced by cultural norms, traditions, and societal expectations.
Understanding this dichotomy requires peeling back layers of biology, sociology, psychology, and anthropology.
The Universality of Love
Evolutionary Perspectives on Love
Love has deep evolutionary roots, serving as a critical mechanism for survival and reproduction. Anthropologists and evolutionary psychologists suggest that love evolved to ensure the survival of our species. Pair bonding—the tendency of humans to form long-term partnerships—played a significant role in creating stable environments for raising children.
At the biological level, love engages key neural systems in the brain. Helen Fisher, a prominent biological anthropologist, explains that love operates through three interconnected systems: lust, attraction, and attachment. Lust drives reproduction, attraction fuels focus on a specific partner, and attachment helps maintain long-term bonds. These systems are not confined to any one culture but are shared universally among humans.
Neuroscience also supports love’s universality. Functional MRI studies reveal that when people view images of loved ones, brain regions such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) light up. This area is associated with the reward system, releasing dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. This suggests that love, as an emotional experience, is deeply rooted in our biology.
Cross-Cultural Evidence Supporting Universality
Across the globe, love manifests in remarkably similar ways, even in vastly different cultural settings. Researchers studying over 166 cultures found evidence of romantic love in nearly every society. These findings challenge the notion that love is a purely cultural phenomenon, suggesting it is a shared human experience.
Ancient texts from different civilizations, such as Sappho’s poetry in ancient Greece, the Bhagavad Gita in India, and the love songs of ancient Egypt, all celebrate themes of desire, devotion, and longing. These narratives, separated by time and geography, highlight a universal thread of romantic love.
Even in small-scale societies, such as the Hadza of Tanzania or the Trobriand Islanders of Papua New Guinea, people engage in behaviors that mirror romantic attachment. This suggests that the fundamental aspects of love—connection, partnership, and emotional bonding—transcend cultural boundaries, rooted instead in shared human biology.
Cultural Constructions of Love
How Societies Shape Love Experiences
While the capacity to love may be universal, how we interpret and express it is deeply influenced by cultural contexts. Societies shape love by prescribing behaviors, expectations, and even emotions considered appropriate for romantic relationships. For instance, in Western cultures, love is often portrayed as spontaneous, passionate, and deeply personal. Romantic comedies and fairy tales reinforce the idea of “true love” and the pursuit of a soulmate.
In contrast, cultures with a more collectivist orientation, such as India or Japan, may view love as a gradual process tied to social and familial responsibilities. Arranged marriages in South Asia, for example, prioritize compatibility and shared values over initial emotional attachment. Here, love is something that grows within the framework of duty and partnership rather than a prerequisite for marriage.
Cultural Narratives and Symbols
Symbols and stories play a significant role in defining love within a culture. In the West, the red heart is synonymous with love, while roses symbolize passion and romance. Meanwhile, in Chinese culture, the concept of “yuánfèn” (缘分) refers to the idea of predestined love, where cosmic forces are believed to bring people together. These narratives create cultural lenses through which love is experienced and understood.
Even language shapes how love is perceived. In the Greek tradition, multiple words describe love: eros (passionate love), philia (friendship), and agape (selfless love). This linguistic richness reflects a nuanced cultural approach to understanding love’s different dimensions.
Expressions of Love Across Cultures
Cultural differences extend to how love is expressed. Public displays of affection, common in many Western countries, may be viewed as inappropriate or disrespectful in parts of the Middle East or East Asia. Similarly, love letters, poetry, and verbal affirmations are prized in some cultures, while others place greater emphasis on acts of service or material gestures as demonstrations of affection.
Individualistic vs. Collectivistic Cultures
Love in Individualistic Societies
In individualistic societies, such as the United States, Canada, or much of Western Europe, love is often viewed as an intensely personal and emotional experience. Here, relationships are based on personal choice, with individuals prioritizing their own feelings, desires, and happiness. This emphasis on autonomy is reflected in dating practices, where people are encouraged to explore multiple relationships before committing to a partner.
Media and cultural narratives in individualistic societies frequently depict love as a transformative force, focusing on personal fulfillment. Phrases like “finding your soulmate” or “true love” highlight the belief that romantic relationships are integral to individual identity and happiness.
Love in Collectivistic Societies
In collectivistic cultures, such as those found in East Asia, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East, love is often viewed through the lens of community and family. Romantic relationships are not solely about the individuals involved but about fostering harmony within the larger social group. This perspective emphasizes interdependence and mutual obligations.
For instance, in countries like India and China, arranged marriages are still common, with families playing a significant role in partner selection. These marriages often prioritize compatibility in terms of values, social status, and long-term goals over immediate romantic attraction. Love in these contexts is seen as something that develops over time through shared experiences and mutual respect.
Collectivistic cultures may place less emphasis on verbal expressions of love. Instead, actions, such as caring for a partner’s family or fulfilling duties within the relationship, are seen as key demonstrations of affection.
Comparing the Two Approaches
The differences between individualistic and collectivistic cultures highlight how societal values shape our understanding of love. In individualistic societies, love is often celebrated for its ability to fulfill personal needs and desires, while in collectivistic cultures, it is valued for its role in maintaining social harmony and collective well-being.
Historical Evolution of Love
Love in Ancient Civilizations
In ancient civilizations, love was often tied to practical concerns rather than the romantic ideals we associate with it today. For example, in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, marriage was primarily seen as a social contract aimed at preserving wealth, property, and lineage. Romantic feelings, if they existed, were secondary to these pragmatic goals.
Ancient texts, however, reveal that love did play a role in human relationships. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the world’s earliest literary works, speaks of deep bonds between individuals, though romantic love is not central. Similarly, in ancient Greek culture, love was categorized into different forms, such as philia (brotherly love), storge (familial love), and eros (romantic love). These distinctions reflect a sophisticated understanding of the multifaceted nature of love.
Romantic Love in Medieval Times
The medieval era brought the concept of courtly love into prominence, particularly in Europe. Courtly love was an idealized, often unattainable form of romantic affection, typically involving a knight and a noblewoman. This love was characterized by chivalry, devotion, and the idea of self-sacrifice. It was often celebrated in the poems of troubadours and the stories of Arthurian legends.
Importantly, this period marked a shift toward viewing love as a source of personal fulfillment. Courtly love was often separate from marriage, which remained largely a social and economic arrangement. The romantic ideals of this era laid the groundwork for modern notions of love as an emotional bond.
Modern Interpretations of Love
In modern times, love has undergone significant transformations. The Industrial Revolution and urbanization allowed for greater individual autonomy, enabling people to marry for love rather than societal obligation. Romantic love became increasingly central to the concept of marriage, particularly in the West, as emotional compatibility began to outweigh considerations like wealth or social status.
The rise of media in the 20th century further shaped modern love. Movies, novels, and music created and perpetuated ideals of passionate, everlasting love. These narratives have influenced generations, creating expectations that love should be both emotionally fulfilling and transformative.
Today, love is celebrated in many forms, from traditional marriages to partnerships that challenge societal norms.
The Role of Religion and Spirituality
Religious Doctrines and Their Influence on Love
Religion has long shaped humanity’s understanding of love, offering moral frameworks that influence romantic relationships. In many traditions, love is considered divine, embodying qualities of selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice. For instance, in Christianity, the concept of agape—unconditional love—is a central tenet, often extending to romantic relationships. This idea encourages selflessness and prioritizing a partner’s well-being, mirroring the love God has for humanity.
In contrast, Hindu traditions often intertwine love with duty and spirituality. The Bhagavad Gita, for example, portrays love as a force that can lead to spiritual enlightenment when channeled appropriately. The divine love between Radha and Krishna exemplifies passion, devotion, and transcendence, offering a symbolic representation of human longing for the divine.
Spiritual Interpretations of Love
Beyond formal religious doctrines, spiritual traditions often explore love as a universal force. Sufi mystics, for instance, view love as a path to divine union, blurring the lines between romantic and spiritual longing. The poetry of Rumi, a renowned Sufi poet, often equates the intensity of romantic love with the search for the divine.
In Buddhism, love is seen through the lens of metta (loving-kindness), emphasizing compassion and a deep connection with all beings. Romantic love, while acknowledged, is considered one of many forms of attachment that can either foster spiritual growth or lead to suffering, depending on how it’s managed.
Case Studies from Various Religious Traditions
Religious customs surrounding marriage often reflect how love is perceived within a faith. For example:
- Christianity: The sacrament of marriage in Christianity underscores love as both a divine and earthly bond. The idea of two becoming one is seen as a reflection of God’s love.
- Islam: Love in Islam is often tied to mutual respect and responsibility. The Quran emphasizes companionship and mercy as essential components of a marital relationship.
- Judaism: Jewish teachings highlight the concept of bashert, or a destined soulmate, implying that love is both a divine and earthly connection.
Love as a Moral Compass
Religions not only define love but also regulate its expression. Many traditions place boundaries around love to ensure it aligns with moral and ethical principles. This can include guidance on premarital relationships, fidelity, and family obligations.
Gender Roles and Expectations
Traditional Gender Roles in Love
For much of human history, gender roles have significantly influenced how love is experienced and expressed. Traditionally, men were expected to take on roles as providers and protectors, while women were seen as caregivers and nurturers. These roles shaped how romantic relationships were structured, with each partner fulfilling a specific set of responsibilities.
In many cultures, love was tied to duty rather than emotion. For example, in Victorian England, men demonstrated their love by ensuring financial stability, while women expressed theirs through devotion and homemaking. These roles often limited personal expression within relationships, as societal expectations dictated how love should be shown.
Impact of Feminism on Love Dynamics
The feminist movements of the 20th and 21st centuries have challenged traditional gender roles, leading to significant changes in romantic relationships. By advocating for gender equality, feminism has opened the door for more balanced and equitable partnerships.
In contemporary relationships, both men and women are encouraged to express emotions openly, share responsibilities, and support each other’s personal growth. For example, modern partnerships often see shared responsibilities in parenting and household duties, reflecting a move away from rigidly defined roles.
Feminism has also fostered greater diversity in the expression of love. Nontraditional relationships, such as those involving same-sex partners or unconventional family structures, have gained broader acceptance. These changes highlight a shift toward viewing love as a partnership of equals rather than a union bound by predefined roles.
Changing Expectations in Modern Relationships
As society evolves, so do expectations within romantic relationships. Younger generations, influenced by cultural shifts and technological advancements, often prioritize emotional compatibility, shared values, and mutual respect over traditional markers like financial stability or social status.
Social media and global connectivity have also played a role in reshaping gender norms in love. Exposure to diverse perspectives has normalized the idea that love and relationships are not one-size-fits-all. For instance, the growing popularity of terms like “emotional labor” highlights how relationship dynamics are being reevaluated to ensure fairness and mutual understanding.
Emerging Trends in Gender Dynamics
Contemporary relationships are increasingly characterized by fluidity in gender roles. Many couples now reject traditional labels altogether, choosing instead to define their own relationship dynamics. This trend is particularly evident among millennials and Gen Z, who often view love as a collaborative and evolving experience rather than one bound by societal expectations.
Love in the Age of Technology
The Rise of Online Dating
Technology has dramatically transformed how people seek and experience love. Online dating platforms, such as Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid, have revolutionized romantic connections by making it easier than ever to meet potential partners. These platforms transcend geographical and social boundaries, allowing people to connect based on shared interests, values, or physical attraction.
Online dating has also shifted the focus of initial interactions. Instead of meeting organically, users often evaluate potential matches through curated profiles and photos. This process has introduced both opportunities and challenges, such as the rise of “swipe culture,” where decisions are made quickly based on surface-level impressions.
Virtual Relationships and Digital Intimacy
Beyond dating apps, technology has enabled new forms of relationships through digital communication. Long-distance couples can maintain closeness through video calls, texting, and social media, bridging the physical gap. Virtual relationships, where individuals connect solely online, have become more common, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted in-person interactions.
The shift toward digital intimacy also raises questions about authenticity and connection. Some argue that the constant availability of digital communication can create a false sense of closeness, while others appreciate how technology fosters genuine emotional bonds.
Social Media’s Influence on Love
Social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, have redefined how people express and perceive love. Couples often share their relationships publicly, curating an idealized version of their love life for an audience. While this can strengthen a sense of commitment, it can also create pressure to maintain appearances or compare one’s relationship to others.
Additionally, social media has introduced new dynamics, such as “breadcrumbing” (sending intermittent messages to keep someone interested) and “orbiting” (staying in someone’s digital orbit after a breakup). These phenomena reflect how technology can complicate modern relationships.
The Future of Love in a Digital World
As technology continues to evolve, so does its impact on love. Artificial intelligence and virtual reality are already influencing romantic relationships, from AI-driven matchmaking algorithms to VR environments where couples can interact in immersive ways. The metaverse, a digital universe where individuals can engage with others using avatars, may redefine how people form and sustain connections in the years to come.
While technology offers exciting possibilities, it also raises ethical questions. Will AI partners replace human connections? How will digital environments affect the authenticity of relationships? These questions highlight the evolving nature of love in the digital age.
Psychological Perspectives on Love
Attachment Theory and Its Influence on Love
One of the most influential psychological frameworks for understanding love is attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth. Attachment theory suggests that the bonds we form in early childhood with caregivers shape how we approach relationships later in life. These attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—play a significant role in romantic dynamics.
For instance, individuals with secure attachment tend to have healthy and trusting relationships, while those with anxious attachment may experience insecurity and a need for constant reassurance. Avoidant individuals often struggle with intimacy and emotional closeness. Understanding these patterns helps explain why people approach love differently and why some relationships thrive while others falter.
Love Languages: How We Give and Receive Love
Dr. Gary Chapman’s concept of love languages provides another lens to explore love’s psychological diversity. According to Chapman, people express and interpret love in five primary ways: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. Recognizing one’s own love language—and that of a partner—can enhance communication and deepen emotional connections.
For example, someone who values quality time may feel most loved when their partner sets aside distractions to spend uninterrupted moments together. Conversely, a partner who prioritizes acts of service might feel appreciated when small, thoughtful gestures are made, like preparing a meal or handling household tasks.
The Psychology of Falling in and Out of Love
Psychologically, falling in love involves a cocktail of neurotransmitters and hormones. Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin flood the brain, creating feelings of euphoria, obsession, and bonding. This intense phase, often referred to as the honeymoon period, typically lasts six months to two years. Over time, love transitions into a more stable attachment, marked by comfort and long-term commitment.
However, the process of falling out of love can be equally complex. Breakups often trigger feelings of grief and loss, as individuals navigate the emotional aftermath. Psychological research shows that recovery involves stages similar to mourning, including denial, anger, and eventual acceptance. Understanding these processes can help people cope and heal more effectively.
Individual Differences in Love Psychology
Every person brings a unique psychological blueprint to their experience of love. Factors such as personality traits, past experiences, and emotional resilience all shape how love is felt and expressed. For instance, extroverted individuals may seek excitement and novelty in relationships, while introverts may prioritize depth and emotional intimacy.
Sociological Perspectives on Love
Love as a Social Construct
Sociologists often examine love as a phenomenon shaped by social and cultural forces. While the emotions associated with love may be universal, the way love is defined, pursued, and maintained is deeply influenced by societal norms and expectations. In many ways, love is a reflection of the social structures within which it exists.
For example, romantic love is often idealized in Western societies, with an emphasis on passion, individuality, and personal fulfillment. This contrasts with collectivist societies, where love may be seen as secondary to family obligations or social harmony. These cultural frameworks influence how people approach relationships and what they prioritize in a partner.
The Role of Social Class and Economic Factors
Love doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it is profoundly shaped by economic and social factors. Historically, marriage was often a transactional arrangement, serving as a means to consolidate wealth, secure alliances, or improve social status. While modern societies have moved toward romantic partnerships, these underlying economic considerations often remain.
For instance, research shows that socioeconomic status can significantly impact relationship dynamics. Couples from lower-income backgrounds may face stressors such as financial instability, which can strain their relationships. Conversely, higher-income individuals may have greater access to resources that support relationship satisfaction, such as couples therapy or shared leisure activities.
Marriage and Family Structures
The institution of marriage is a prime example of how society structures love. In many cultures, marriage serves as a formal acknowledgment of love and partnership, often accompanied by legal and social benefits. However, the expectations surrounding marriage vary widely.
In traditional societies, arranged marriages are still common, with love often expected to grow after the union. Meanwhile, Western societies emphasize love as a prerequisite for marriage, leading to the rise of cohabitation and delayed marriage as people prioritize finding the “right” partner.
Family structures also play a role in shaping how love is experienced. In collectivist cultures, extended family members are often actively involved in relationships, offering support and, at times, imposing expectations. In contrast, nuclear family structures in individualist cultures allow for greater independence but may reduce the external support available to couples.
Societal Expectations and Their Impact
Societal norms heavily influence how people perceive and express love. For example, heteronormative ideals have long dictated what is considered an acceptable relationship, marginalizing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, shifting cultural attitudes and legal reforms are gradually expanding the definition of love to include diverse identities and partnerships.
At the same time, societal expectations can create pressure to conform, whether it’s the expectation to marry by a certain age, have children, or maintain a specific type of relationship.
Anthropological Perspectives on Love
Love Rituals and Customs Around the World
Anthropologists have long studied the diverse ways in which love is celebrated and ritualized across cultures. These practices offer a window into how societies define and value love. For instance, in parts of Africa, elaborate dowry exchanges are a way to formalize love and marriage, symbolizing the merging of two families. In contrast, Native American tribes like the Hopi perform intricate dances that honor romantic unions and communal harmony.
Some cultures use specific ceremonies to express love and commitment. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with women giving chocolates to men, followed by “White Day,” when men reciprocate. Meanwhile, in the Polynesian islands, couples often exchange handmade leis as tokens of affection and respect.
These customs, though unique to each culture, reveal a universal human desire to commemorate love in tangible, symbolic ways.
Anthropological Case Studies on Love
Studies of indigenous communities provide valuable insights into the universality and cultural specificity of love. For example:
- Among the Trobriand Islanders of Papua New Guinea, love is openly discussed and celebrated, with courtship rituals involving the exchange of food and symbolic gifts.
- In the Himba culture of Namibia, women often have the autonomy to choose their partners based on personal preferences, illustrating a form of romantic love that exists even in a collectivist society.
These case studies highlight that while the expression of love varies, its presence is a consistent element of human life.
The Evolution of Love in Human Societies
Anthropological evidence suggests that love has evolved alongside human societies. In early hunter-gatherer communities, pair bonding likely emerged as a strategy to ensure cooperation and the survival of offspring. As societies became more complex, love began to intertwine with social and economic structures.
For instance, the development of agriculture led to more rigid family systems and the institutionalization of marriage, often with love taking a secondary role. It wasn’t until the rise of individualism during the Enlightenment that romantic love began to gain prominence as a societal ideal.
Today, globalization has further influenced the evolution of love, blending traditional practices with modern ideals. Cultural exchanges through media and migration have introduced new ways of thinking about love, leading to hybrid practices that reflect both local traditions and global influences.
Challenges in Defining Love
The Complexity of Love as an Emotion
Love is one of the most powerful and multifaceted human emotions, but it defies easy definition. Is it a feeling, a choice, or a combination of both? Philosophers, poets, and scientists have all grappled with this question. While some describe love as an uncontrollable force, others argue it is a series of actions rooted in commitment and care.
One of the main challenges in defining love lies in its varying forms. Romantic love differs from familial love, which differs from platonic or self-love. Each type of love has unique characteristics, yet all are interconnected through shared emotional experiences like attachment, trust, and compassion.
Philosophical Debates on Love’s Nature
Philosophers have long debated the nature of love. Plato described it as an ascent toward the divine, beginning with physical attraction and culminating in spiritual connection. Meanwhile, existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre viewed love as a dynamic struggle between freedom and dependence.
These philosophical perspectives highlight love’s dual nature: it can be transcendent and uplifting but also complicated and fraught with conflict. Modern thinkers argue that love exists on a spectrum, blending emotional, physical, and intellectual components in ways that are unique to each individual and relationship.
The Interplay Between Love, Lust, and Attachment
Another complicating factor in defining love is its overlap with related emotions like lust and attachment. Lust is driven by physical attraction and sexual desire, while attachment involves long-term bonding and emotional security. Love often incorporates elements of both, but the balance can vary greatly depending on the relationship.
For example, the initial stages of romantic love are often dominated by passion and infatuation, driven by neurochemical changes. Over time, these intense feelings may give way to deeper attachment and companionship. However, the distinction between these components is not always clear, further muddying attempts to define love.
Cultural Variations in Understanding Love
Adding to the complexity are the cultural differences in how love is understood and expressed. In some cultures, love is seen as a private and internal experience, while in others, it is openly celebrated and ritualized. These varying interpretations underscore the challenge of defining love in a way that encompasses its universal and culturally specific aspects.
Ultimately, the difficulty in pinning down a single definition of love reflects its richness and diversity. Rather than viewing this ambiguity as a limitation, it can be seen as a testament to the profound and multifaceted nature of one of humanity’s most enduring experiences.
Implications for Intercultural Relationships
Navigating Love Across Cultural Boundaries
Intercultural relationships offer a unique opportunity to explore love’s universality and its culturally constructed aspects. When individuals from different cultural backgrounds form romantic connections, they must navigate differences in values, traditions, and communication styles. These challenges can test the resilience of the relationship but also deepen mutual understanding and growth.
For example, differences in how affection is expressed—such as verbal affirmations versus acts of service—can create misunderstandings if not addressed. Similarly, varying expectations about family involvement in the relationship can lead to conflicts. However, successful intercultural couples often develop a shared “third culture,” blending aspects of both backgrounds to create their own unique dynamic.
Potential Conflicts in Intercultural Relationships
Conflicts in intercultural relationships often stem from differing cultural norms and expectations. For instance:
- Family Dynamics: In collectivist cultures, families often play a significant role in partner selection and decision-making. This can clash with individualistic values, where autonomy and personal choice are prioritized.
- Gender Roles: Traditional gender expectations in some cultures may differ from more egalitarian views in others, leading to tensions about roles and responsibilities within the relationship.
- Communication Styles: High-context cultures, which rely on indirect communication, may clash with low-context cultures that value directness and clarity.
These differences require patience, compromise, and a willingness to adapt. Couples who openly address and respect each other’s cultural backgrounds often emerge stronger and more resilient.
The Beauty of Multicultural Love Stories
Despite the challenges, intercultural relationships can be incredibly rewarding. They offer opportunities to learn about different ways of thinking and living, enriching both partners’ perspectives. These relationships often celebrate diversity, blending traditions, languages, and cuisines into something entirely unique.
For example, intercultural weddings often combine elements from both partners’ heritages, creating vibrant ceremonies that honor their love and cultural identities. These celebrations symbolize the possibility of unity despite differences, embodying the idea that love can transcend cultural boundaries.
Is Love Universal
How do different cultures define love?
Different cultures interpret and express love in unique ways. In Western societies, love often emphasizes passion and individuality, while in collectivist cultures, it may focus on familial and social harmony. Some languages even have multiple words for different types of love, like the Greek terms eros (romantic love) and philia (friendship).
Is romantic love a modern concept?
While romantic love has existed for centuries, its role in relationships has evolved. Ancient civilizations often prioritized practical and societal factors in marriage, with love considered secondary. The idea of romantic love as central to partnerships became more prominent during the medieval period and gained widespread acceptance in modern times.
How does technology affect our experience of love?
Technology has revolutionized love through online dating platforms, long-distance communication tools, and social media. While it has made connecting easier, it has also introduced challenges like “swipe culture” and curated representations of relationships on social platforms.
Can love transcend cultural boundaries?
Yes, love often transcends cultural boundaries, as seen in intercultural relationships. However, these relationships require effort to navigate differences in traditions, values, and communication styles. Open-mindedness and respect are key to overcoming challenges.
What role does biology play in our experience of love?
Biology plays a significant role in love, with hormones like oxytocin and dopamine driving feelings of attachment and pleasure. Evolutionary theories suggest love evolved to promote pair bonding and reproductive success, making it a universal human experience.
