Romantic Love, Solved

Romantic Love, Solved

February 18, 2026 · 1h 41m

About this episode

Mark Manson and Drew debate whether romantic love is overrated, exploring its psychological and social implications.

We put love on trial — literally. Drew and I squared off in a full debate over whether romantic love is overrated. I made the case that love is basically your brain's con man, a neurochemical hijacking designed to make you delusional about deeply flawed people, and that the most intoxicating relationships are often the most toxic. Drew fought back with the evidence that love is the foundation of social infrastructure, physical health, and long-term happiness. By the end, we came to a gentlemen’s agreement: a framework that explains why we're all chasing the wrong kind of love, and what the right kind actually looks like. CHAPTERS (00:00) Introduction (02:21) Love is the Brain's Conman (23:33) Love as Social Infrastructure (45:33) Love and Happiness (01:07:14) We're Drawn to People Who Hurt Us CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS ⏹ IM8: Transform your daily routine with IM8's Daily Ultimate Essentials at ⁠https://www.im8health.com/solved⁠ ⏹ Factor: Head to ⁠https://www.factormeals.com/solved202650off⁠ and use code solved202650off to get 50% off and free breakfast for a year. Eat like a pro this month with Factor. ⇨ Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less…

People in this episode

Host: Mark Manson

Guest: Drew

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IM8, Factor

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