The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth

Chapter 5 asserts that dependence on a romantic partner is not the same as healthy, genuine love. Peck asserts that although it is natural for everyone to crave love, care, and support, people must be careful not to perceive their intimate partners as pseudo-parental figures, nor should they attach themselves to their partners to give their own lives meaning. Oftentimes, maladaptive forms of dependency originate from lopsided parental relationships. Clinging to a partner for support that you didn’t receive in childhood will only limit your partner’s capacity and your own.

Chapters 6 deals with the idea that real love only applies to human relationships. While people might say that they love an object, hobby, or pet, Peck believes that these relationships aren’t the same as human-to-human relationships because only humans can love reciprocally. In human relationships, it is also important not to objectify or dehumanize the person you love. For example, Peck warns against calling a loved one by the epithet of “pet,” which is a diminutive nickname suggesting ownership and powerlessness. Instead, genuine love allows for both parties’ spiritual growth.

Chapter 7 asserts that to foster and sustain healthy relationships, people must be aware of how much they are giving to those they love.