Which type has intimacy and commitment but no passion?

• A. Consummate love
• B. Infatuation
• C. Companionate love
• D. Nonlove

Answer: (C)

In Sternberg’s framework, intimacy means closeness, warmth, and a sense of being understood, while commitment is the decision to stay together and work toward a shared future. Passion is the spark of romance and physical attraction. When a relationship has intimacy and a long-term commitment but lacks strong romantic or sexual arousal, it fits companionate love. This is the deep, steady bond you often see in long-term partnerships or marriages where friends care for each other and share life goals, but the initial fiery passion has faded.

Infatuation is driven mainly by passion with little intimacy or commitment, so it’s not our case. Consummate love would include all three components, including passion. Nonlove lacks all three elements.