Since no single theory can explain it, I have developed a unified model combining all of the main contributing factors in love relations from evolutionary psychology, personality trait theory, object relations and attachment, cognitive psychology and social psychology. I use a heuristic pyramid to illustrate these five factors. Starting at the base, these factors are: species traits, individual traits, relational internalizations, beliefs and current context. Each factor puts a dynamic influence on the others. The five factors are conceptually linked through time, moving from evolutionary history through to the present context.

I have created a formula to evaluate the quality of an intimacy. The qualitative formula is: The sum of the factors that are needed for a healthy love relationship (friendship + passion + commitment) minus the personality traits that are destructive to intimacy (egocentricity + hostility + defensiveness). A mutually rewarding love that endures has a high degree of (friendship + passion + commitment) and very little (egocentricity + hostility + defensiveness).

I have used my unified model and equation as the basis of our RewardingLove Unified Model of Love^© questionnaire. Other Internet matchmaking sites use systems based on anthropology, or sociology or social psychology or personality trait theory. We use all of these and more. RewardingLove.com is the only place which matches compatible individuals seeking serious relationships based on this most comprehensive model of love today.