Relationships are essential to human survival and development, as through our interactions with others we learn social and emotional skills. The type of attachment we form with our parents can influence the relationships we have later in life, with secure attachments laying the foundation for healthy relationships. Physical attraction is driven by hormones and genetics, while love involves intimacy, passion, and commitment, and healthy relationships require mutual respect, trust, and integrity.

2. Relationships are necessary for our
survival as species and as an
individual.
Relationships define our own
humanity, because through our
interaction with others, we learn about
human behavior and emotions, and
how to communicate with each other.
Our attachment to our parents can
predict the kind of relationships we will
have in the future.

3. There are three styles of
attachment: secure, avoidant,
and anxious ambivalent.
Attachments are expressed
differently in different cultures.
Dysfunctional attachment
styles can be changed for the
better through strong love
relationships.

4. Hormones and physical symmetry
primarily drive physical attraction.
Genes are also a determinant of
how we are attracted to other
people.
Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of
Love has three basic components:
intimacy, passion, and
commitment.

5. The various combinations of
these three produce eight
different types of love.
We have responsibilities for
all our relationships and
these are primarily anchored
on mutual respect, trust, and
integrity.