ABSTRACT
R omantic love is a universal or nearly universal phenomenon, appearing in every culture for which data are available (Jankowiak & Fischer, 1992), in every historical era (Hatfield & Rapson, 2002), and in every age group (Tennov, 1979). Analogs to romantic love are found in a wide variety of higher animal species, and romantic love may well have played a central role in the evolution of our primary human reproductive strategies (Fisher, 1998, 2004). Romantic love seems to be a key factor in quality of life generally. It can be a source of some of the greatest joys, including connectedness, ecstasy, and fulfillment (e.g., Aron & Aron, 1986; Hatfield & Rapson, 1987), and some of the greatest problems, including depression, rage, stalking, suicide, and homicide (e.g., Cupach & Spitzberg, 2004; Meloy & Fisher, 2005).
