Final answer:
The Western concept of romantic love, rooted in the medieval literary genre of courtly love, has evolved over time, influencing the modern interpretations of love portrayed in media. These ideals encompass various forms of love, characterized by the presence or absence of intimacy, passion, and commitment, and are integral to understanding romantic relationships, especially during adolescence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Western version of romantic love is heavily influenced by historical and literary traditions dating back to the 11th century from the regions of what is now France. The concept of courtly love, which began as a literary genre for the nobility, entailed knights doing brave deeds for their unattainable ladies, often with the love remaining platonic and on a moral pedestal. This ideal became intertwined with the stories of King Arthur's court and perpetuated through time in various forms, including the celebration of consummate love, which combines intimacy, passion, and commitment. As these forms of love traveled through time, they found their way into different life stages and circumstances, such as during war when the desire for romantic connections often intensified. This diffusion of the medieval concept of romance has been captured in music, poetry, and literature of the Romantic Era. Moreover, the modern fascination with romance is continually fueled by its portrayal in television and cinema, fostering desires for exclusive emotional relationships reminiscent of those antiquated ideals.
Psychologist Robert Sternberg's theory further dissects love into different components and types, such as infatuation, companionate love, romantic love, and fatuous love, each possessing varying combinations of intimacy, passion, and commitment. These concepts emphasize the complexity and the evolution of the notion of love in Western society and underscore its importance in the development of romantic relationships, particularly during adolescence when these feelings are often experienced intensely for the first time.