Love Culturally: How Does Culture Affect Intimacy, Commitment & Love

Abstract

This paper, relying on a thematic review of the literature, aimed to explore the influence of culture on human relations, particularly on love. We highlighted the innate need of humans to belong and be part of a community and, moreover, partake in an intimate relationship. Most humans yearn for intimacy, and thus it was defined and described. In our Western culture, intimacy is often found in marriage, usually built on love. Love, if not nurtured, may fade, and so we described what happens when it does. Romantic relationships, where love is usually expressed and actualized, were examined, including how it is shown, how time affects love, and what causes love relationships to be marred by loneliness. The main part of the paper is devoted to examining the effect of culture on love, its expression, and on romantic relationships. While love may be universal, its development, expression, and importance in intimate relationships differ depending on the culture and era in which it occurs.

Keywords:

• Love
• culture
• philosophy
• belonging
• marriage
• communication
• loneliness
• marriage
• romance

Disclosure Statement

The author reports no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The author reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Ami Rokach

Ami Rokach, a clinical psychologist, teaches in the Department of Psychology, at York University in Toronto Canada. His research interests include: loneliness; palliative care; relationships/marriage; sexuality.