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Reiss's Wheel Theory of Love proposes that love is composed of four components: rapport, self-revelation, mutual dependency, and personality need fulfillment
.
Rapport refers to the initial attraction and connection
between two individuals. This is often based on shared interests, values, and attitudes. Self-revelation involves the sharing of personal information and feelings, which helps to deepen the relationship. Mutual dependency is the reliance on each other for emotional and practical support
. Finally, personality need fulfillment refers to how the relationship meets each individual's needs for security, status, and control.
According to Reiss, these components can be arranged in a wheel-like structure, with rapport at the top and personality need fulfillment at the bottom. As the relationship progresses, the emphasis may shift from one component to another, but all four components are necessary for a successful and fulfilling romantic relationship.
However, some critics argue that the Wheel Theory oversimplifies the complex nature of love and relationships. For example, it does not account for the role of physical attraction or the impact of external factors such as cultural norms
and societal expectations.
Overall, while the Wheel Theory of Love may not be a comprehensive explanation of romantic relationships, it does provide a useful framework for understanding the different components that contribute to a healthy and satisfying partnership.
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