Love
A durable orientation combining care, valuing another's existence, and — variably — desire, attachment, and devotion.
How it shows up
Love shows up very differently across relationships: between partners, parent and child, friends, or toward a place or practice. It often involves caring about another's well-being for their own sake, wanting their presence, and being changed by them. Researchers disagree about whether love is an emotion, a set of emotions, or a commitment. What seems common is a lasting orientation of valuing that outlives any single moment.
How it differs from Infatuation
Infatuation is intense, idealized attraction without much track record; love is a durable orientation built through knowing someone over time.
Notice
Notice how love shows up in what you do for someone, not only in how you feel.
Where it is felt
Felt most in the chest, face and whole body.
Based on Nummenmaa et al. (2014), bodily maps of emotions, and related research. The map shows where people report bodily sensation, on average; individual experience varies.