What does Nonlove describe in Sternberg's theory?

• A. Absence of all three components: no passion, no intimacy, no commitment
• B. Only intimacy present
• C. Only passion present
• D. Only commitment present

Answer: (A)

In Sternberg's model, love is made up of three building blocks: intimacy (closeness and connectedness), passion (physical and sexual attraction), and commitment (the decision to stay together). Nonlove is simply the absence of all three, meaning there’s no closeness, no attraction, and no long-term commitment. It describes situations where none of the components are present, so there isn’t love in any form.

If only one component were present, you’d get other types: only intimacy equals liking, only passion equals infatuation, and only commitment equals empty love (commitment without closeness or attraction).