In Sternberg's Triangular Theory, which combination yields romantic love?

• A. Intimacy and Passion
• B. Passion and Commitment
• C. Intimacy and Commitment
• D. Intimacy, Passion, and Commitment

Answer: (A)

In Sternberg's Triangular Theory, romantic love is defined by a combination of intimacy and passion without a necessary commitment. Intimacy brings closeness, warmth, and mutual support, while passion brings excitement, attraction, and sexual arousal. When these two components come together, you have romantic love.

Why this fits best: the pairing of intimacy and passion captures the feel of being deeply connected and excited about someone, without the long-term decision aspect that commitment adds. If you mix passion with commitment, you get a different form called fatuous love, which lacks the closeness of intimacy. If you mix intimacy with commitment, you have companionate love, which is deep, long-term friendship without the strong current of arousal. All three together describe consummate love, which goes beyond the romantic pairing by including commitment as well.