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Showing posts with the label The Three Dimensions of Attraction

What Makes Love Last?

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In his seminal work Love and Responsibility, St. John Paul II offers profound insights into human love, emphasizing the need to elevate it beyond fleeting emotions and desires. He identifies three dimensions of attraction—sensual, sentimental, and spiritual—that interplay in relationships, shaping how we approach love and commitment. Understanding these aspects can help us move beyond superficiality to discover the depth and beauty of true love. 1. Sensual Attraction: The Power of the Senses Sensual attraction is the most immediate and instinctive form of attraction, rooted in our physical nature. It is the response to the beauty of the other’s body, tied to their masculinity or femininity. This kind of attraction is not inherently wrong—it is part of human nature—but it is limited in scope. St. John Paul II warns that when sensual attraction becomes the sole foundation of a relationship, it can lead to objectification. In such cases, the other person is valued primarily for the physic...