Romance is a genre that has showcased itself in literature, films, music, and various art forms. It presents to the world the deeply passionate/exhilarating aspects of romantic relationships.
Humans, for the longest time, have been searching for the meaning of true “love.” As Haddaway once asked the world, “What is love?” and we still don't seem to have the answer. So, when you think about it, really, what is love?
Let us find out.
Debunking Love
According to an article by Harvard, a team of scientists spearheaded by Dr. Hele Fisher at Rutgers has broken down romantic love into three distinct categories: lust, attraction, and attachment. And you know what? Each category is defined by a unique set of hormones that originate from the brain.
Where does lust come from, though? As humans, we have an innate yearning for sexual satisfaction, which is a primal urge deeply rooted in our evolutionary imperative to reproduce. To answer your question, this is where lust comes from.
Isn't that what a “crush” is?
In Christina Abu-Khalaf's ‘Fresh,' teenage Saylor develops a secret crush on her best friend's father, which transpires when she becomes older. Though (obviously) frowned upon by society, there is a natural cause behind it.
Honestly, our brains should be held solely accountable for this “forbidden allure.” Why?
You might have heard of the sex hormones called testosterone and estrogen that are often stereotyped as being “male” and “female.” It turns out that the hypothalamus of our brains is what stimulates the production of these hormones.
So who do you hold responsible now, eh?
Attraction, on the other hand, plays a critical role in building a sense of connection. It is a closely related phenomenon to lust, even if it seems distinct. It is usually classified into five main types, namely:
- Sexual attraction
- Physical attraction
- Emotional attraction
- Romantic attraction
- Aesthetic attraction
The Role of Companionship
How does companionship come into the picture?
Simply said, companionship lays the foundation of a love story. It acts as the bedrock upon which romance flourishes, creating a sense of unity between characters and enabling them to persevere through life's challenges.
Whether the said “hardships” are societal pressure or forbidden love (as seen in ‘Fresh'), companionship is what helps characters weather the storms of life, for it is during these times that the depth of their connection is revealed.
Love plays an integral part in our lives, and companionship adds a layer of depth/realism that resonates with us on a higher level. Books such as Christina Abu-Khalaf's ‘Fresh,' make us understand how love binds characters together, reminding us that true love is not just a thrill of romance but also the enduring power of companionship.
Read ‘Fresh' by Christina Abu-Khalaf and start believing, once again, in the transformative power love beholds.
