The Husband-Wife Relationship

Abstract

A recent theory sees love as a triangle.² The three sides of this love triangle consist of passion, intimacy, and commitment. Passion, the motivational side of the triangle, leads to physical arousal and an intense desire to be united with the loved one. “Love at first sight” and mutual feelings of attraction, which reflect the passion dimension of love, often provide the impetus for a romantic relationship. Passion alone is rarely sufficient, however, and a second element, intimacy, must develop for the relationship to last.

If partners are to remain emotionally alive in enduring relationships, they must dare to shake up established patterns—to strive for new goals and to dream new dreams that involve each other.¹