It can benefit emotional healthĪ small 2009 study explored the brain regions activated by feelings of unconditional love. You can recognize it by these key characteristics. Though it may overlap with other types of love in some ways, other elements set it apart. Read on for a deeper understanding of what unconditional love is (and isn’t) and some strategies for cultivating it. Is this love as elusive as it sounds? Can it even happen in romantic relationships? Yet this type of love might still seem like the stuff of fairy tales and movies, not something most people encounter in real life. Wanting someone to love you for yourself - no matter what - is an understandable desire. While people often associate unconditional love with familial love, many look for this love in romantic relationships, too. Maybe it brings to mind the love your parents have for you or the love you have for your own child.

This type of love, sometimes called compassionate or agape love, might sound somewhat familiar. You simply love them and want nothing more than their happiness.

You don’t base it on what someone does for you in return. Unconditional love, simply put, is love without strings attached. Share on Pinterest Sophie Mayanne / Getty Images

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