Which aspect of Sternberg's theory is most associated with planning for long-term relationship maintenance?

• A. Commitment.
• B. Passion.
• C. Intimacy.
• D. All three.

Answer: (A)

In Sternberg's model, planning for long-term relationship maintenance is most closely tied to commitment—the decision to stay with your partner and to invest in the relationship over time. Commitment provides the future-facing orientation that drives maintaining behaviors: working through problems, making sacrifices, and building shared goals and plans for the future. While passion describes desire and romance, and intimacy covers closeness and trust, neither alone guarantees a sustained, long-term partnership. All three components together describe love, but the element that most directly aligns with staying power and long-term maintenance is commitment.