Description

In the Indian context, it is common to define oneself in terms of the relationships as they are central to human beings. They comprise of an important aspect of a person's sense of self. They are significant to identity formation, and relational breakdown disturb and de-structure it.

The individual and the social system are inseparable from each other. The most basic unit of society is the 'individual'. One becomes aware of the 'self' only via his/her active interchanges with the external environment and through the resources/constraints offered by it.

Understanding love in relationships is particularly important as it has implications for the stability and health of individuals, families, societies and communities at large. Love can be studied from the positive psychological perspective as it has strong positive influences on the individual if it is true and sustains ones being. Positive psychology's basic aim is to enhance the already present virtues that people possess so that it completely colours the life of an individual into an unending bliss.

Positive psychology

This domain of the discipline of psychology was developed by Martin Seligman, in the year 1998. The purpose of Positive psychology as stated by Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was to develop a scientific discipline that aims to make normal life more functioning and design effective interventions to enhance lives of individuals. The aim of this discipline was not to simply treat abnormal behavior but to nurture genius and talent within individuals. It works hand in hand with traditional psychology primarily focusing on strengthening the positives within the individuals. Utilizing scientific methods of intervention it aims to ensure improvement in the problems associated with individuals and societies. Specific areas of interest of the discipline are experiences of flow or pleasure, character strengths or virtues, values, genius and talents. The discipline focuses on enhancing these positive strengths by means as ways through social institutions at the various levels.