Philosophy of Romantic Love

[hyperskeptic]

This article might be of interest to folks here in the forum, an interview with philosopher Berit Brogaard on her new book, On Romantic Love: Simple Truths about a Complex Emotion.

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121029/berit-brogaard-romantic-love-interview

Of special interest is her claim that it is possible to make oneself fall out of love.

Think of all the drama recounted on these forums that could be avoided if that should turn out to be true, and if people practicing non-monogamy could take it to heart!

 

[kdt26417]

Whereas I am skeptical about the kind of emotional manipulation where you say, "Heart! Stop feeling this!" I do take seriously the idea of taking actions that alter our emotional environment. In that way, we can have an *indirect* effect on our emotions.

It will certainly come as good news to swingers that you can stop yourself from falling in love! Still, there may be some truth to it.

 

[GreenAcres]

It was an interesting read. I am not entirely sure the science is there for some of the conclusions, but it may be helpful for some folks going through a rough breakup.

 

[Norwegianpoly]

Interesting stuff. Some of the 20 serious times I have been in love, I willed myself out of them after some time. For instance, when I am in love I often write lists (in my journal, in my head) about what is fantastic about this person, so when I wanted to fall out of love I wrote lists (with 20 or more points) of why we were not well suited, everything from "she doesn't get me" to "she is not tidy" to "he is not humanity's best friend". And, if nothing else works, usually sleeping with someone else does the trick.

 

[Moonglow]

Thanks for posting that. It sort of seems like common sense and I do remember the thing about feeling in danger, falling in love from Psychology class.