What kind of love is forbidden?

Asked by: Guy Hammes  |  Last update: February 15, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (5 votes)

Forbidden love refers to relationships blocked by societal, cultural, religious, or familial opposition, often involving taboo pairings like significant age gaps, enemies, different social classes, or partners with existing commitments (e.g., someone married or a supervisor), creating intense attraction but challenging obstacles, though its definition varies greatly across cultures and legal systems, from incompatible social standings to incest or infidelity.

What is considered forbidden love?

Many of us are likely familiar with the concept of "forbidden love," a romantic notion often portrayed by characters in acting and literature. It refers to a romance between two individuals that is opposed by family, friends, or society, as their relationship may defy cultural, religious, or societal norms.

What are the characteristics of forbidden love?

Characteristics of the Forbidden Love trope

This trope delves into the themes of desire, societal norms, and the lengths to which individuals will go for love. It's characterized by the lovers' struggle against external forces that seek to keep them apart, highlighting the intensity and resilience of their love.

What counts as forbidden romance?

Romance that would have bad consequences whether they're super serious ( starting a war, getting excommunicated from a church, involved in illegal activities, etc) or more mundane (getting fired from a job, shunned by family members, loss of social status, etc).

What is forbidden love called?

NOUN. love affair. Synonyms. adultery affair courtship dalliance devotion fling flirtation infidelity involvement liaison love passion relationship tryst.

Forbidden Kind of Love

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What does forbidden love look like?

Forbidden love usually involves two people who are madly in love but forced apart, whether by families, culture, geographical distance, or other factors. This trope has been known as “Star-Crossed” lovers, meaning that destiny has ruled something cannot be.

What is love without intimacy called?

Platonic love is a type of love in which sexual desire or romantic features are nonexistent or have been suppressed or sublimated, but it means more than simple friendship. The term is derived from the name of Greek philosopher Plato, though the philosopher never used the term himself.

Why is forbidden love so attractive?

Forbidden love is appealing due to psychological factors like the "forbidden fruit effect" (wanting what's unattainable), the thrill of rebellion and secrecy", enhanced intimacy from shared secrets", and dopamine-driven excitement from risk-taking", making hidden moments feel more intense and meaningful against a backdrop of high stakes like societal disapproval or danger. 

What is the 2 2 2 rule in love?

The 2-2-2 rule in love is a relationship guideline for maintaining connection: have a date night every 2 weeks, a weekend getaway every 2 months, and a week-long vacation every 2 years, to consistently prioritize your partner, break routine, and create shared memories, helping to prevent drifting apart amidst busy lives.
 

What is emophilia love?

Emophilia is the psychological trait of falling in love quickly, easily, and often, characterized by a strong craving for the intense emotional high of new romance, leading to rapid emotional investment, overlooking red flags, and potentially overwhelming partners with rapid commitment, sometimes called "emotional promiscuity". It's a tendency to rush into deep connections, differing from anxious attachment (fear of abandonment) and distinct from just being a hopeless romantic. 

What causes forbidden love?

What makes a forbidden love so desirable is the taboo surrounding it. A relationship may be labeled as taboo for various reasons. It may be a cross-cultural partnership, a Bonny and Clyde affair, or even a product of infidelity. These speculations make the relationship unique.

What symbolises forbidden love?

Concept of forbidden love and censorship, with a heart, symbolically locked in a cage. Chains link with red heart shaped lock. Padlock and metal chain icon. Concept of love forever.

Can forbidden love be one-sided?

One-sided love can be a difficult and painful experience, often leaving a person feeling unappreciated, neglected, and even rejected. Whether it takes the form of unrequited love, forbidden love, or idealized love, it can be challenging to navigate these intense feelings.

How does forbidden love work?

Forbidden relationships can take many forms: Parents may forbid their children from engaging with certain friends or significant others; friends or family members may disapprove of our relationship partners; or we may fall in love with a coworker, supervisor, or someone who is already committed to a serious ...

What is a hidden lover called?

A paramour is a lover, and often a secret one you're not married to.

What flower symbolizes forbidden love?

One of the most common associations of black roses is with forbidden love. The deep, velvety petals can represent the hidden, secretive aspects of a relationship, one that is kept in the shadows, away from the prying eyes of society. This makes black roses a poignant symbol for love that defies norms and conventions.

What is the 777 rule in dating?

The 777 dating rule is a relationship strategy for maintaining connection by scheduling quality time: a date every 7 days, a night away every 7 weeks, and a longer romantic holiday every 7 months, preventing couples from becoming complacent and nurturing their bond through consistent, intentional focus. It's about creating rhythm, not rigid perfection, ensuring regular reconnection through simple or elaborate activities to build intimacy, trust, and prevent drifting apart. 

What's rule number 1 in love?

1. Never invalidate or erase the personal reality of someone you love. Every one of us counts on our partner supporting and validating the way we see the world, even if he or she doesn't see it the same way.

How do you know you're both in love?

With true love, you don't just like the same things; you see the world in similar ways. Your long-term goals align. You communicate in ways that make both of you feel heard. You handle conflict with a desire to understand, not just to win.

What are forbidden love examples?

Forbidden love examples include classic literature like Romeo and Juliet (feuding families) and The Great Gatsby (married woman), historical figures such as King Alexander Obrenović and Draga Mašin (age/status gap), and modern tropes like workplace romance, same-sex relationships in unaccepting societies, or falling for a rival's partner, all driven by external obstacles like family, culture, religion, or status preventing the union.
 

What is the strongest type of love?

The strongest form of love is often considered Agape, the ancient Greek term for selfless, unconditional, and compassionate love for all humanity, but scientifically, parental love (especially maternal) and deep romantic love show the most intense brain activation in reward centers, while enduring Pragma (mature, committed love) provides lasting strength, showing "strongest" depends on perspective—spiritual (Agape), neurological (parental/romantic), or relational (Pragma/Philia). 

What is the 3 6 9 rule in relationships?

The 3-6-9 rule is a relationship guideline suggesting three stages in the first year: the first 3 months are the "honeymoon" phase (infatuation); months 3-6 involve growing conflict as flaws appear; and months 6-9 are the "decision-making" stage where couples face real issues, with successful navigation leading to stability, while also advising to delay major commitments like sex or moving in until at least 3, 6, or 9 months to let love chemicals settle and see the real person.
 

What happens to a woman with no intimacy?

The effects of celibacy in females vary greatly; voluntary celibacy can boost focus and well-being, while involuntary celibacy may increase stress, loneliness, and anxiety, potentially impacting mental health and relationships. Physically, prolonged abstinence can lead to vaginal dryness or lubrication issues, but a healthy sex life is linked to better sleep, immune function, and cardiovascular health, though these aren't exclusive to sexual activity and can often be managed through other means, like self-care and open communication. 

What is pocketing in a relationship?

In relationships, pocketing (also called stashing) means one partner deliberately hides the other from their friends, family, and social life, keeping the relationship private and out of sight, which can make the hidden partner feel unimportant, insecure, and confused. Signs include never meeting loved ones, avoiding social media posts, and making excuses to not be seen together publicly, essentially keeping the partner "in their pocket" without integrating them into their real life.
 

What is the purest form of love called?

Agape (/ɑːˈɡɑːpeɪ, ˈɑːɡəˌpeɪ, ˈæɡə-/; from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agápē)) is "the highest form of love, charity" and "the love of God for [human beings] and of [human beings] for God".