Love is a Basic Human Need

Love and feeling like one belongs in a community or their family is part of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It is simple to say that love is a basic human need. 

If analyzing modern society, it seems that we are not doing a good job at this notion. A lack of respect and acceptance along with the rise in Artificial Intelligence, has caused people to isolate themselves, igniting loneliness and anti-social behavior. Those who lack love either feel lonely, worthless or end up on the wrong path in life.

​I believe humans are not meant to wander alone in life. We are social creatures, and love is the glue that binds us all. 

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Love is physical, but it also fulfills humans on an emotional level. Many equate to love as a romantic partnership or gesture (like procreation), but love extends to various different aspects of life. Humans have an innate nurturing aspect within themselves. Even those who are childless often find a passion for taking care of something whether it'd be a pet or a garden. 

​​Love is a part of the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Once basic earth-plane needs are met, love is an important aspect of human life. There is a reason why "Find Your Tribe" has become a popular term. It is because we yearn for a sense of belonging within a community, or from other people. 

It is natural for humans to want to be with a significant other, or to have a family. In fact, research shows that falling in love was one of the only emotional highs that humans once suffered.

But love goes beyond romance. Giving and receiving love is equally important. Those who are "pent" up with love need to channel it somewhere. And humans also crave receiving love and affection from one another. In the world of single parents, it is often the unconditional love that a child has for his or her parents keeps that single parent going. An act of kindness is what keeps hope alive in a person who feels lonely or suicidal. 

The ancient Greeks believed in five forms of love: familial love, friendly / platonic love, romantic love, guest love and divine love. Love is considered a virtue comprised of kindness, compassion and affection. Healthy forms of selfless love is what nourishes humans. 

But like everything in life, there is a dark or selfish side of love that drives humans away. Modern authors have identified forms of love such as unrequited love, empty love, infatuated love, companionate love, self-love and courtly love. These forms of love can isolate people, ignite mistrust or lead people to suicide or to kill. Many serial killers have a history of family dysfunction and not receiving love from the biological parents. Those who go too deep in self-love become narcissists. 

Love is no joke. Love can save someone or destroy someone.  But love is a basic human need. Our hearts are organs that keep us alive physically and spiritually.  In order to avoid depression, anxiety and loneliness humans need a balance between giving and receiving love. And some of the love might  be channeling that energy towards a passion like painting or rock climbing.

An equal balance is ideal but having some form of love keeps us motivated and going in life. 

What do you think? Is love a basic need?
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