The sunk cost in love

Jan 03,2025

1. Emotional investment: In a romantic relationship, the time, energy, and emotions invested by both parties constitute the main part of sunk costs. As the relationship deepens, these investments continue to increase, and even if the relationship encounters problems, people are often unwilling to give up easily because they are reluctant to let go of the emotions they have already invested.

2. Material inputs: including gifts purchased for the other party, expenses for living together, travel expenses, etc. These material inputs also constitute sunk costs, causing people to weigh the money and resources already invested when considering ending a relationship.

3. Opportunity cost: In a romantic relationship, individuals may give up other potential partners or development opportunities, and these unrealized possibilities also constitute a part of sunk costs. People may miss out on other potentially more suitable people or life choices due to concerns about losing their current relationship.