Analysis of the patterns of romantic relationships of female characters in Attar's Masnavis based on the Sternberg's triangular theory of love

Female characters, whether in the position of lover or beloved in Attar's Masnavis, actively establish emotional relationships with men and their attitudes toward love effectively contribute to the formation of this relationship. This research aims to investigate these characters' knowing about love dimensions in Attar's Masnavis (Mantiq Al-Tair, Elahinameh, and Mosibatnameh) based on Sternberg's triangular theory of love using the documentary method and provides answer to these questions: Do the patterns of women's romantic relationships match Sternberg's point of view? To which dimensions of love have women paid more attention? and what has been the difference between women's attitude and men's to these issues? The results of this research show that the pattern of romantic relationships of women has been in agreement with Sternberg's point of view, but female characters in Attar's anecdotes</em> have paid more attention to some dimensions and components of love due to cultural differences and mystical attitudes; such that in their views, the men in the position of the lover should prove their intimacy and commitment before addressing the passion dimension, and after that their passion expression can be accepted. The women themselves in the position of the lover always comply with all three dimensions of love, and, in general, guide men in lovemaking to attain the </em>perfect and ideal love.