The three ingredients identified in sternberg's triangular theory of love have somewhat different time courses across the length of romantic relationships. tends to develop first, and tends to develop last.

"Passion" tends to develop first, and "commitment" tends to develop last.


The triangular theory of love holds that affection can be comprehended as far as three segments that together can be seen as shaping the vertices of a triangle. The triangle is utilized as an allegory, instead of as a strict geometric model. These three parts are intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment. Every segment shows an alternate part of affection.