If sexual passion is also involved, then this feeling is called paraphilia.A common principle that people say they love is life itself.For example, compassionate outreach and volunteer workers' "love" of their cause may sometimes be born not of interpersonal love but impersonal love, altruism, and strong spiritual or political convictions.
Some historians date modern conceptions of romantic love to courtly Europe during or after the Middle Ages, although the prior existence of romantic attachments is attested by ancient love poetry.Throughout history, philosophy and religion have done the most speculation on the phenomenon of love.In the 20th century, the science of psychology has written a great deal on the subject.Love in its various forms acts as a major facilitator of interpersonal relationships and, owing to its central psychological importance, is one of the most common themes in the creative arts.The word "love" can have a variety of related but distinct meanings in different contexts.