From Barry Leggett, Tonbridge, Kent, UK
I read with interest the article “Trying to solve the mystery of love”. However, I believe the idea that love has (only) three core pillars (intimacy, passion and commitment) misses what should be a key factor in human pair bonding. The ancient Greeks used several words for love. One of them, agape, might be described as selflessness. While intimacy might grow stale as passion – often linked to sexual attraction – becomes less relevant, and commitment might lead to possessiveness, selfless care for a partner has no such downside. As partners grow more frail, selfless care becomes more important, and this love doesn’t fade (23 May, p 10).
