Questions

I am writing my research thesis on Philosophy of interpersonal relationships (friendship, love, etc), and ask these questions in my research.

Can one choose to love? Or the concepts like choice do not apply in the matters like love.

What is the difference between liking someone and loving someone?

Is love an emotion? If love is an emotion then does it imply that love is not something permanent because emotions seem to be transient.

Should state be involved in matters like love or marriages at all?

Why do we love? Do we get identity or purpose or something like that? Or is it a self-less act?

Do we love someone for their qualities? Qualities like beauty, kindness, etc. If this is so, then in the absence of these qualities in the beloved, do we stop loving the beloved or what happens?

Is there any difference between loving a person, loving a cat, loving nature, and loving God? If yes, how can we explain the difference.