Final answer:
Companionate love is the enduring attachment in a relationship when initial passionate feelings cool, characterized by intimacy and commitment without the intensity of passion. It's a mature form of love found in long-lasting relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The affectionate attachment that helps maintain a relationship once the initial passionate feelings cool is referred to as companionate love. This type of love is characterized by a deep bond, comfort, and commitment that grow over time. It is typically found in long-term relationships where intimacy and commitment are present, but passionate feelings may have decreased.
Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love explains the dynamics within relationships through three components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. When passion diminishes, the relationship doesn't necessarily end; it often transitions into companionate love, which involves a deep affection and a strong bond based on shared experiences and mutual support. This is common in close friendships, family relationships, and long-term romantic partnerships that have evolved beyond the initial stages of intense passion.