Psychology Questions

From a psychological standpoint, the definition of love is based on three scales which include commitment, intimacy, and passion. Robert Sternberg, with the aim of simplifying the love aspect, used a triangle as a metaphor to depict the interdependence of the three factors (Barwick, 2017). The combinations of the elements, or the lack of it, leads to different types of interpersonal relationships. For example, in a friendship, intimacy is present, but commitment and passion may be absent. On the other hand, those in romantic love may display both intimacy and passion but fall short of the commitment. Consummate love is the most outstanding with all the three factors coming to play in the relationship.
Arguments are common in marriage. Barwick (2017) attributed these disagreements to some factors. Top on the list is sexual frustrations. One of the partners may fail to satisfy their counterpart leading to disappointments and conflicts. Also, financial challenges cause arguments among couples. Women expect men to provide; nevertheless, some men cannot avail enough cash, and this causes the frustrations. Although in-laws play a central role in marriages, disagreements are bound to occur if one partner tends to favor in-laws from their respective families. Other causes of arguments include; failure to meet the set expectations if the wife is a poor cook, uncleanliness from either partner or adultery.
Two people are said to be in a codependent relationship if one of the partners display extreme dependence, be it socially, emotionally, or even physical, on the other person (Barwick, 2017).

Such types of relationships mostly exist between drug addicts, alcohol addicts, and thieves. More often than not, co-dependency is destructive since those involved tend to forget about themselves and prioritize their friend`s feelings. In fact, Barwick (2017) specified that “codependent behaviors or habits are self-destructive, not only to themselves but also to all their relationships” (p. 360).
A divorce is more likely to occur in a marriage where the partners have bad memories of their relationship and where any attempt to solve existing conflicts has always failed (Barwick, 2017). Additionally, divorce can occur where couples display bodily changes such as increased heartbeat during a disagreement and when one partner is overwhelmed with negativity towards the marriage (flooding). Also, use of defensiveness, criticism, stonewalling, and contempt may point at divorce. Last but not least, separation is unavoidable in a union where any discussion ends up in sarcasm and criticism (Harsh Start-up).
Just like Romeo and Juliet, teenagers in love face opposition from their parents, peers, and even spiritual leaders. Whether the reasons for opposing the love between the two lover birds are valid or not valid, those in love do all they can to be together. Interestingly, the affection grows even stronger because of the opposition. Barwick (2017) classified such cases as psychological reactance, which he defined as “the tendency to protect or restore one’s sense of freedom or social control, often by doing the opposite of what has been demanded” (p.343).
Reference
Barwick, Snell-Walker. (2017). Becoming Aware: A Text/Workbook for Human Relations and Personal Adjustment, 13th Edition. [BryteWave]. Retrieved from https://shelf.brytewave.com/#/books/9781524923976/