What type of love in Sternberg's theory is characterized by a lack of intimacy?

Sternberg's theory of love identifies several types of love based on three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Fatuous love is characterized by a high level of passion and commitment, but it lacks intimacy. This means that while there may be a strong physical attraction and a desire to be in a relationship, the emotional connection—understood as intimacy—is not fully developed.

In fatuous love, individuals may rush into commitment without a solid foundation of mutual understanding and deeper emotional bonds. This often leads to relationships that are intense but can be shallow, as the partners do not share significant emotional closeness or understanding of each other’s inner lives.

The other types of love described in Sternberg's theory involve varying combinations of the three components. For instance, companionate love includes intimacy and commitment without the intensity of passion, romantic love combines intimacy and passion but lacks commitment, and consummate love integrates all three components. Therefore, fatuous love distinctly stands out due to its lack of intimacy while maintaining elements of commitment and passion.