Why do people crave romantic love, even though it's the most painful thing on this earth&; only temp happiness?

I don't think its the MOST painful thing. Getting a terminal illness, being cheated on, losing a child or other loved one, getting sent to prison, failing at a degree or career you worked hard in, watching your child suffer from an illness, depression or suicidal tendencies, being abused:...those are all way more painful than a break up! I have experienced a few of those on the list and I look back at some nous I cried over and laugh. If only I knew life had handed me worse before or was about to! Romantic love is another type of lust. I believe its a social phenomenon and probably cultural. We know romantic love will lead us to either or authentic love which are both human needs. That is my opinion from a Sociological standpoint. Also, I have read that in other countries romantic love isn't as huge a deal and same-gender friendships are a big priority. In the West we emphasize it more through social institutions, media and literature. It doesn't mean its a universal human desire. Its contextual. I think romantic love is similar to work and kids: some people are more conducive to it than others, some jump around to different jobs and some have one long career with one or two companies. There are ups and downs and it is NOT, in my opinion, the worst pain ever. Life has a lot worse to throw at you, trust me!!