When most people think of love, they often think of the most common one: The romantic kind — the “butterflies in the stomach/ can’t live without you” type of love. But is that really the only kind of love there is?
What about committed love? What’s the difference between the two? This blog post will explore the differences between romance and commitment and discuss their descriptions.
“You don’t love someone because they’re a dream of perfection. You love them because of the way they meet their challenges, how they struggle to overcome. You love them because together, you bring out the best in each other.”
― Lani Wendt Young
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Part I: A Study About Love
According to a study reported by BBC, the initial stage of any relationship is mainly initiated by romance. As a result, proteins named nerve growth factors are found in the body, and the cause of sweaty palms and the sensation of butterflies in the stomach are at a lot higher level than usual when a new relationship is created.
However, as the months progressed, the team of researchers noticed a decrease in nerve growth factors to normal levels once the relationship reached an extended period of time since it was formed. The researchers believe that this is the stage where committed love takes over.
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Part II: The Meaning
So, what is the difference between these two types of love?
Well, for starters, romance is often associated with the beginning stages of a relationship when everything is new and exciting. It’s that passionate, “can’t get enough of you” feeling that often fades as time goes on. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean the love is gone. In other words, there is a big difference between romance and commitment.
With romance, it’s often all about the butterflies in your stomach and the excitement of being together. Romance is based mostly on feelings, while commitment is based more on actions.
In addition, romance is often seen as more fleeting than commitment. A relationship based on romance can easily fizzle out if the initial passion dies down.
Committed love, on the other hand, is the type of love that lasts long-term. It’s based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. And while it may not be as intense as romance, in the beginning, it’s the kind of love that can weather any storm.
With commitment, you’re more likely to be focused on things like shared values, common interests, and building a life together. A relationship based on commitment is more likely to withstand the test of time, even if the initial excitement fades away.
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Part III: The Cons & Pros
Now that we’ve explored the main differences between romance and commitment, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.
When it comes to romance, one of the biggest pros is that it can often be very exciting. There’s nothing quite like those early stages of a relationship when you can’t get enough of each other. It’s a time when everything feels new and exciting, and you can’t wait to be together.
Of course, this excitement doesn’t always last, which leads us to one of the biggest cons of romance: it can be short-lived. Once the initial passion fades, a relationship based on romance often fizzles out.
When it comes to commitment, one of the biggest pros is that it can often lead to a more stable and long-lasting relationship. If you’re with someone you’re truly committed to, then you’re more likely to weather any storms that come your way.
You’re also more likely to be on the same page when it comes to things like shared values and common interests. And while the beginning stages of a relationship based on commitment may not be as exciting as one based on romance, it’s the kind of love that can last a lifetime.
Of course, there are some cons to commitment as well. One is that it can often take longer to develop than romance. And once it does develop, it may not be as intense as the romantic kind of love. But if you’re patient and willing to work at it, a relationship based on commitment can be gratifying.
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Part IV: Which Type of Love Is Right for You?
So, which type of love is right for you? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for in a relationship. If you’re someone who craves excitement and enjoys the thrill of the chase, then romance may be more your style. But if you’re looking for something stable and long-lasting, then commitment is a better fit.
Of course, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to this question. It’s all about what works for you and your needs. So, take some time to think about what you want out of a relationship. Then, go find the love that’s right for you.
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The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that romantic love is more about passion and infatuation, while committed love is about intimacy, trust, and connection.
So, which is better? Well, that’s up to you. Some people prefer the passionate intensity of romance, while others prefer the stability and longevity of committed love.
But at the end of the day, both types of love are special in their own way. They both have their pros and cons, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide what kind of love you want in your life.
“Love is when you’d rather see someone one last time and die, than never see their face again.”
― Bryan Butvidas
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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