In contrast, companionate love is typically found to increase over time.Īlthough research finds most romantic relationships consist of both passionate and companionate love, it’s the absence or reductions in companionate love, moreso than passionate love, that can negatively affect the longevity of a romantic relationship.

Love by design: when science meets sex, lust, attraction and attachment People have competing responsibilities which affect their energy and limit the opportunities to foster passion. Life events and transitions can also make it challenging to experience passion. Of couples who have been married in excess of ten years, the steepest downturn is most likely to occur over the second decade.

Monkey Business Images/ ShutterstockĪlthough a reduction in passionate love is not experienced by all couples, various studies report approximately 20-40% of couples experience this downturn. It’s reductions in companionate love, moreso than passionate love, that can negatively affect the longevity of a romantic relationship.

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