Which type of love has passion and commitment but no intimacy?

• A. Fatuous love
• B. Romantic love
• C. Companionate love
• D. Nonlove

Answer: (A)

Understanding how passion, intimacy, and commitment combine explains why this option is correct. In Sternberg's triangular theory of love, intimacy is closeness and sharing, passion is romance and physical attraction, and commitment is the decision to stay with someone. When a relationship has passion and commitment but lacks intimacy, it forms fatuous love—a bond built on excitement and a decision to remain together without a deep emotional connection. This differs from romantic love, which includes both passion and intimacy; companionate love, which includes intimacy and commitment but no strong spark of passion; and nonlove, which lacks all three components. An example is a whirlwind engagement based on intense attraction without time to develop genuine closeness. That’s why this type of love is the best description.