The 7 Types of love

In the theme of Valentines Day, thought it would be fitting to chat about Love.

Love is not complicated, but it is complex. Ever felt like the word ‘love’ just wasn’t enough to describe the many ways love can manifest? Ancient Greek philosophers understood there were 7 types of love.

These definitions can guide us; to serve ourselves or others better, help us get clear about our romantic loves, help us to feel connected to all of humanity. And of course, keep choosing love in every moment.

1) ❤️Eros – Love of the Body
Eros is sexual or passionate love, both intense, consuming, and yet also quick to fade. Relationships built only on this form of love do not tend to last. 

2) 💛Philia – Affectionate Love
Philia is used for the love you feel for friends and family. It is connected to companionship, trust, and friendship and most often exists when values are shared and feelings are mutually reciprocated. 

3) 💚Storge- Love of the Child
Storge is the effortless love that parents have for their children. It is characterised by acceptance, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Through this love, children come to understand comfort, nurturing, security, and safety.

4) 💙Agape – Selfless Love💙 ✨✨✨
This is universal love. It is acting in alignment with the highest interest of all. Agape is what we feel for humanity, Mother Earth, and the Divine. We tap into Agape most easily through meditation, time in nature, and following our intuition while walking our spiritual path. Agape is given without expectation of anything in return. 

5) 💜Ludus – Playful Love
Think uncommitted love filled with activities such as seduction, flirtation, and sexual experiences without attachment or commitment. Problems arise when one party mistakes ludus for eros.

6) 🖤Pragma – Long-lasting Love
This type of love requires a profound understanding between people and a great deal of time. Sexual attraction takes a back seat in favour of personal qualities and compatibilities, shared goals, and making it work. Think Long-term couples. 

7) 💖Philautia – Love of the Self
Sense of belonging and purpose. 
#Philautia can be either healthy (we must learn to love ourselves first in order to truly love others) or unhealthy (inflated sense of status, ability, fame, wealth, and pleasure)