The commitment dimension of love is often viewed as the decision
to stay with one's partner for life. Commitments may range from
simple verbal agreements (agreements not to become emotionally
and/or sexually involved with other people) to publically formalized
legal contracts (marriage). However, commitment is more than simply
agreeing to stay with your partner through bad times. Commitment
means being devoted to doing things to nurture the relationship and
protect it from harm and to fix it if damaged. Both partners care
about each other's needs and must be willing to put each other's needs
first--including being willing to make personal sacrifices for the
good of the relationship. The partners should be willing to depend on
each other and feel secure that each will be loyal to each other and
to the relationship.
The Love Test, Copyright © 1996, Betty Harris and Jim Glover.
