What is Sternberg's Duplex Theory of love?

It extends the triangular theory by proposing that people construct "love stories"—narratives about what love means to them. These stories guide how they engage in relationships and what they expect. Different stories (journey, sacrifice, garden, etc.) predict compatibility.

How do love stories interact with the triangular theory?

The triangle describes what love IS (components). Love stories describe how people interpret and construct that love. Two people might have identical triangles but very different stories, leading to conflict about what their love means.

What are some common love stories?

Sternberg identifies several: the journey (shared exploration), the sacrifice (love requires giving up self), the garden (love must be tended), the game (love is playful), the masterpiece (love is an art), among others. People often hold multiple stories.

How do mismatched love stories affect relationships?

If one partner sees love as a journey and the other as a sacrifice, they'll have fundamentally different relationship expectations and behaviors. Understanding each other's love stories is crucial for compatibility and conflict resolution.

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Sternberg's Duplex Theory: Love Stories Beyond the Triangle

Peter Kolomiets

|April 12, 2026|Updated Apr 13, 2026|8 min read

Sternberg's Duplex Theory: Love Stories Beyond the Triangle

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References

Sternberg, R. J. (2006). A Duplex Theory of Love
Sternberg, R. J. (1988). The Triangle of Love: Intimacy, Passion, Commitment
Sternberg, R. J., & Barnes, M. L. (1988). Love Stories: A Cross-Cultural Study

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Sternberg's Duplex Theory: Love Stories Beyond the Triangle

References

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References

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