What is empty love in Sternberg's typology?

What is empty love in Sternberg's typology?

• A. Commitment alone
• B. Intimacy alone
• C. Passion alone
• D. Intimacy and commitment

Answer: (A)

Empty love is commitment alone. In Sternberg’s triangle, love has three building blocks: intimacy (closeness), passion (romantic/sexual energy), and commitment (a decision to stay together). When only commitment is present, there’s a resolve to maintain the relationship, but there’s little emotional closeness or romantic desire. So the bond rests on obligation or duty rather than warmth or attraction. This can show up in long-standing relationships where people stay together for practical reasons, even if they no longer feel connected or excited by one another. If intimacy or passion were to grow, the relationship could shift into other forms (for example, toward companionate or consummate love).

Empty love is commitment alone. In Sternberg’s triangle, love has three building blocks: intimacy (closeness), passion (romantic/sexual energy), and commitment (a decision to stay together). When only commitment is present, there’s a resolve to maintain the relationship, but there’s little emotional closeness or romantic desire. So the bond rests on obligation or duty rather than warmth or attraction. This can show up in long-standing relationships where people stay together for practical reasons, even if they no longer feel connected or excited by one another. If intimacy or passion were to grow, the relationship could shift into other forms (for example, toward companionate or consummate love).