Which of the following best describes the cognitive aspect of passionate love?

• A. Obsessive preoccupation with the partner and an overly idealized view of the partner
• B. Logical and cautious evaluation
• C. Indifference to partner's qualities
• D. Preference for independence

Answer: (A)

Think of the cognitive aspect as what goes on in the mind when you’re swept up in passionate love. In this phase thoughts about the partner can become consuming, and people often see the beloved through an idealized light—focusing on positives and brushing over flaws. That persistent preoccupation and tendency to overestimate the partner’s positives is the hallmark of the cognitive side of passionate love.

The other options don’t fit this pattern: logical and cautious evaluation describes a more analytical, restrained way of thinking that isn’t typical of early passion; indifference to the partner’s qualities contradicts the very idea of being preoccupied with them; and a preference for independence goes against the idea of constant mental focus on the partner.