Module-4-EU112_12_central_attributes_of_Love_3_

Course Overview

• Course Type: General Education

• Course Title: The Family

• Course Code: EU112

• Prerequisites/Co-Requisites: None

• Course Unit: 2 units

• Course Outcome: CO3: Assess one’s standing towards family through historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives.

• Module: 4 - 12 Central Attributes of Love

• Lesson Learning Outcomes:

  • LO 2.2: Critical skills on Filipino values and customs regarding love, courtship, and marriage.

• Topics: 12 central attributes of love.

• Week/Inclusive Date: 7-8 February 24 to March 7, 2025.

• Modality: On-ground.

Introduction to the Central Attributes of Love

• Exploration of human connection and emotion.

• Understanding the fundamental components and diverse features of love.

• Love is perceived differently by different individuals, which can lead to confusion in relationships.

• The concept of Love Maps developed by John Money: a mental blueprint of one’s ideal love partner.

Twelve Central Features of Love (as per Beverley Fehr)

1. Trust

2. Loyalty

3. Care

4. Commitment

5. Honesty

6. Accepting the other without wanting to change them

7. Friendship

8. Support

9. Respect

10. Desire to be in the other’s company

11. Desire to promote the well-being of the other

12. Consideration of and interest in the other

• Noting that differences in love maps can lead to relationship distress.

Attributes of Love

1. Trust

• Trust is fundamental; it must be earned through actions.

• It establishes security allowing for openness.

2. Care

• Relationships develop over time requiring attention.

• Key reminders: share, care, and repair the relationship.

• Benefits of Caring: Releases oxytocin, enhances positive feelings.

3. Honesty

• Involves being straightforward and authentic.

• Practices include: never lying, revealing the truth, being transparent.

• Honesty fosters vulnerability and openness in communication.

4. Friendship

• Friendship shares characteristics with love, allowing both partners to be themselves.

• Distinction between friendship and love involves factors like attraction and chemistry.

5. Respect

• Acceptance of differences strengthens trust and safety in relationships.

• Respect develops through understanding that both partners are separate individuals.

6. Desire to Promote Well-Being of the Other

• Healthy relationships contribute positively to mental health.

• Social support networks are crucial.

7. Loyalty

• Loyalty reflects commitment and protection for the partner.

• Characteristics include steadfast support, consistency, and honesty.

8. Commitment

• It involves responsibility toward the partnership regardless of circumstances.

• Commitment requires integrity even when challenged by emotions.

9. Accepting without Changing the Other

• Relationships face challenges due to changes over time.

• Navigating challenges demands understanding and proactive adjustment.

Stages of Relationship Development

1. Infatuation or Honeymoon Stage: Initial overwhelming emotions.

2. Coming Together Stage: Merging lives and announcing partnerships.

3. Power Struggle or Disillusionment Stage: Realizations of differences and challenges.

4. Commitment Stage: Acceptance of differences and respect emerge.

5. Co-Creation Stage: Collaboration and teamwork in navigating life’s challenges.

10. Support

• Emotional support signifies understanding, compassion, and validation of feelings.

• Essential traits of supportive partners include:

  • Emotional Mastery

  • Confidence

  • Communication Skills

11. Desire to be in the Other’s Company

• Long-term satisfaction links back to factors from initial attraction.

• Importance of shared interests and values over time in maintaining relationships.

12. Closeness and Intimacy

• Successful relationships foster growing closeness through mutual self-disclosure.

• Intimate partners view each other as a unit rather than separate individuals.

Activity/Exercise/Assignment

• Assignment: Draw your own “love map” depicting ideals of love relationships.

• Evaluation Criteria include design, colors, creativity, and time/effort.

Supplementary Learning Materials

• Creating Love Maps - YouTube Link

• The Science of Falling in Love - YouTube Link

• Additional link - YouTube Link

References

• Beall A. E. (1995). The social construction of love. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 12(3), 417–438.

• Carpenter. J. (2016). Friendship, Love, and Intimacy.

• Note: Not all texts in this module are original; some are excerpts from the referenced materials.

Acknowledgements

• Prepared by: Razelle V. Lacson, Instructor

• Reviewed/Validated by: Josephine L. Belen, Department Chair

• Approved by: Divinia J. Glifonea Ed D, Dean

• Date of Effectivity: 15 January 2025