Romantic Love, Solved

Romantic Love, Solved

From SOLVED with Mark Manson by Mark Manson

February 18, 2026 · 1h 42m

About this episode

Mark Manson and Drew debate whether romantic love is overrated, exploring its implications on happiness and relationships.

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. Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough Get clarity on what actually matters. Try Purpose, Mark's AI mentor app that learns your patterns, challenges your blind spots, and helps you take action. Get 7 days free at https://www.purpose.app 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…

People in this episode

Host: Mark Manson

Guest: Drew

Topics covered

  • romantic love
  • debate
  • neurochemistry
  • social infrastructure
  • happiness
  • toxic relationships

Keywords

  • romantic love
  • neurochemical hijacking
  • toxic relationships
  • social infrastructure
  • happiness
  • debate

Sponsors

IM8, Factor

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