What is Love?

For centuries we have debated about what drives the need to be with someone or engage in any form of relations that attaches to an emotion, but the question presses, “What is Love”

Unfortunately, in our English language we only have one word for love which makes it so much more confusing. The Greeks had many words for what they believed to different kinds of love but are there different types of love or is it simply a matter the degree of love. We do well to explore the meaning of these Greek if we are to have a better understanding of love.

1. Agape – This is the highest order of love from which all others flow. It is a selfless and unconditional form love. It comes with unlimited compassion and empathy.

2. Eros – It is a passionate, pleasure driven and lustful love. It embodies a romantic and sexual loss of control.

3. Storge – a kinship love between a parent and a child or between family members.

4. Philia – A friendship love often referred to as platonic. It is without physical attraction.

5. Pragma – This is an enduring love full of patience and tolerance. It matures and depends over time.

6. Philautia – Love yourself! Philaustia is self-love.in other words learn to love yourself. Within this is inherent value, self-worth, dignity etc.

7. Ludus – It is a much more playful, flirtatious love. A crush on someone or the excitement of new love that can include childlike behavior. or often a crush on someone driven to action.

8. Mania – This is Obsessive love. It is associated with extreme jealousy, stalking behaviors, possessiveness and sometimes violence.

So, what is love? Love is a conscious volition directed at one’s spouse or object of affection for their spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical welfare. It must not be driven by emotion, nor should it be void of it. Without this commitment, no meaningful relationship can exist and last. We simply must learn to love, and we choose to love.

In the upcoming posts I will explore the implications of these forms of love in our lives. Stay tuned.