Romantic love is, of course, what we experience when we find that special someone who we want to spend our entire lives with. Parental love for children, as well as one’s love for friends or for nature, encompasses other types of love apart from romantic love.
It’s important to realize that love can be playful (Ludus) or practically oriented (Pragma).
Love is one of the most complex and multifaceted emotions that humans experience. It is a feeling that can be difficult to define and understand, as it can take many different forms and manifest in a variety of ways. One of the most intriguing ways to explore the concept of love is by examining the seven types of love that experts in the field have identified and go all the way back to the days of Plato and Aristotle.
Each of the seven types of love is distinct and unique, representing a different aspect of the human experience of love. From the passionate and intense love of Eros to the selfless and altruistic love of Agape, these different types of love offer a fascinating glimpse into how we connect with others and experience the world.
Whether you are interested in exploring the different types of love for personal growth and self-discovery or simply want to learn more about this fascinating topic, understanding the seven types of love can be a valuable and enlightening experience. By delving deeper into the complexities of love and relationships, you can gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and richness of the human experience, advance your career or business, and understand people at a much deeper level.
Eros
Eros is the type of love that is often portrayed in popular culture as passionate and romantic. This type of love is characterized by intense physical attraction and sexual desire. This type of love is often associated with the Greek god of love, Eros, who was known for his beauty and desire.
People who experience Eros love may feel a strong physical attraction to someone and may find themselves constantly thinking about that person. They may also experience intense feelings of jealousy and possessiveness.
Eros love can be exciting and exhilarating, but it can also be fleeting. It is often described as a “honeymoon” phase of a relationship that may not last forever. However, it can also serve as a foundation for other types of love, such as Pragma love, which is based on practicality and long-term compatibility.
Philia
Philia is the type of love that is often referred to as friendship love. It is the love that exists between friends who have a deep and mutual understanding with each other. This type of love is based on a strong bond of trust, respect, and shared experiences.
Philia is often seen as the most noble type of love because it is not based on physical attraction or romantic feelings. Instead, it is based on a deep appreciation of the other person’s character and personality. Friends who share philia love often have a strong emotional connection that is built on a foundation of mutual respect and loyalty.
We can see philia in many different types of relationships, from childhood friends who have known each other for years to colleagues who have worked together for a long time. This type of love is often seen as the glue that holds friendships together, as it is based on a deep understanding of the other person’s values and beliefs.
Storge
Storge is a type of love that is often associated with relationships relating to or occurring in a family, or its members (familial) . It is a natural, effortless kind of love that develops over time and is built on a foundation of familiarity and shared experiences. This type of love is often seen between parents and children or between siblings.
Storge is characterized by a deep sense of commitment and loyalty. It is a love that is unconditional, and it is not based on any particular qualities or traits of the loved one. Instead, it is a love that is based on a sense of duty and responsibility towards the other person.
Storge is a love that is often taken for granted, as it is so natural and effortless. However, it is an important type of love that provides a sense of security and stability in our lives. Without this kind of love, we may feel lost and disconnected from the people who are closest to us.
Agape
Agape is the purest form of love that exists. It is often referred to as divine love, and it is the love that God has for humanity. This love is selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial, and it is not based on any kind of personal gain or benefit.
Agape love is characterized by a deep and abiding commitment to the well-being of others, even if it means sacrificing one’s own needs and desires. It is a love that seeks to give rather than to receive, and it is often associated with acts of kindness, compassion, and charity.
Agape love is not limited to romantic relationships, but it can be expressed in all types of relationships, including friendships, family relationships, and even between strangers. It is a love that transcends boundaries and differences, and it seeks to create unity and harmony among all people.
Ludus
Ludus is a type of love that is playful and flirtatious. It is often characterized by the excitement and thrill of a new relationship, but it can also be present in long-term relationships. People who exhibit Ludus tend to enjoy the chase and the game of love, and may have multiple partners at once.
While Ludus can be fun and exciting, it can also be emotionally shallow and lacking in commitment. People who prioritize Ludus may struggle with forming deep emotional connections and may be more focused on the physical aspects of a relationship.
Some signs that someone may exhibit Ludus love include:
- Enjoying the thrill of the chase and the excitement of a new relationship
- Having multiple partners at once or being more interested in casual dating than committed relationships
- Valuing physical attraction and chemistry over emotional connection
It’s important to note that Ludus love is not inherently good or bad – it simply represents one way that people experience and express love. However, it’s important for individuals to understand their own love styles and the love styles of their partners in order to build healthy, fulfilling relationships.
Pragma
Pragma is the type of love that is based on practicality and reason. In personal relationships it is a mature and long-lasting love that develops over time, as couples work together to build a life and a future.
Pragma is also the type of love someone exudes when they create a business that succeeds long term. If you’ve ever heard successful business people speak about their secret of success, then the words “I just love what I do” likely came out of their mouth. Doing something out a sense of duty is pragma love.
A direct example of Pragma love is here with writing this blog post. I’m writing it through the spirit of Pragma love to share valuable information and help people achieve their goals..
Pragma is often seen in long-term marriages, where couples have grown together and developed a deep understanding of each other.
Pragma is not based on passion or romance, but rather on shared goals, values, and interests. Couples who value pragma prioritize compatibility and practicality in their relationships, and are willing to work through challenges together. They may not have the intense emotional highs of other types of love, but they have a strong foundation that allows them to weather the ups and downs of life.
Some common characteristics of pragma include:
- Shared values and goals
- Open communication and honesty
- Mutual respect and trust
- Commitment to the relationship, personal or business related
- Willingness to compromise and work through challenges
Couples who prioritize pragma may not have the same level of passion or excitement as those in other types of love, but they have a deep and abiding connection that can last a lifetime.
Philautia
Philautia is the love of the self, which can be either healthy or unhealthy.
Healthy philautia involves self-care, self-respect, and self-esteem. It is important to love oneself in order to be able to love others. People with healthy philautia are confident, self-aware, and have a positive self-image. They are able to set boundaries and take care of their own needs without feeling guilty.
Unhealthy philautia, on the other hand, is narcissistic and selfish. It involves excessive self-love and self-obsession, to the point where the person is unable to love others properly. People with unhealthy philautia are often insecure and have a negative self-image. They may seek validation and attention from others, but are unable to form deep and meaningful relationships.
It is important to strike a balance between healthy and unhealthy philautia. Self-love and self-care are important, but they should not come at the expense of others.
Some ways to practice healthy philautia include:
- Exercise regularly
- Eat well
- Get enough sleep
- Practice mindfulness and meditation
- Set boundaries
- Forgive oneself for mistakes
- Take time for oneself
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the seven types of love can help us recognize and appreciate the different ways in which we experience love in our lives. From the passionate and intense eros love to the selfless and unconditional agape love, each type of love has its unique characteristics and significance. By recognizing and embracing these different types of love, we can deepen our relationships, improve our emotional well-being, and live a more fulfilling life. Our friends at Psychology Today agree that ultimately, love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can bring us joy, pain, and everything in between, but by understanding its many forms, we can navigate the ups and downs of love with greater clarity and compassion.
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