Types Of Love

Author: Jan Francis M. Apache

Introduction:

 Love is a feeling of positive thoughts and positive experience towards people we consider friends, family, and our loved ones. From being in love with someone you consider your childhood crush to a simple brotherly bond between brothers or care and support from your family and friends. There are 8 types of love according to Ancient Greek all depending on types of love catalysts.

What is Love Catalyst?

A catalyst is “an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.”  A love catalyst is the part of yourself that enhances your experience with a type of love. For example, self-love is catalyzed by the soul and affectionate love is catalyzed by the mind. Therefore, your catalyst is the agent that provokes the feeling of a certain type of love.

Types of Love

Philia (Affectionate Love)

Definition: 

Philia is love without romantic attraction and occurs between friends or family members. It occurs when both people share the same values and respect each other — it’s commonly referred to as “brotherly love.”

Love Catalyst: Mind

Your mind articulates which friends are on the same wavelength as you and who you can trust.

Pragma (Enduring Love)

Definition:

Pragma is a unique bonded love that matures over many years. It’s an everlasting love between a couple that chooses to put equal effort into their relationship. Commitment and dedication are required to reach “Pragma.” Instead of “falling in love,” you are “standing in love” with the partner you want by your side indefinitely.

Love Catalyst: Subconscious

The subconscious drives partners towards each other. This feeling comes unknowingly and feels purposeful.

Storge (Familiar Love)

Definition: 

Storge is a naturally occurring love rooted in parents and children, as well as best friends. It’s an infinite love built upon acceptance and deep emotional connection. This love comes easily and immediately in parent and child relationships.

Love Catalyst: Memory

Your memories encourage long-lasting bonds with another individual. As you create more memories, the value of your relationship increases.

Eros (Romantic Love)

Definition:

Eros is a primal love that comes as a natural instinct for most people. It’s a passionate love displayed through physical affection. These romantic behaviors include, but are not limited to, kissing, hugging, and holding hands. This love is a desire for another person’s physical body.

Love Catalyst: Physical Body or Hormones

Your hormones awaken a fire in your body and must be satiated with romantic actions from an admired partner. Seemingly pleasure of sex or romantic action like seducing kissing or teasing.

Ludus (Playful Love)

Definition:

Ludus is a child-like and flirtatious love commonly found in the beginning stages of a relationship (a.k.a. the honeymoon stage). This type of love consists of teasing, playful motives, and laughter between two people. Although common in young couples, older couples who strive for this love find a more rewarding relationship.

Love Catalyst: Astral (Emotion)

Your emotions allow you to feel giddy, excited, interested, and involved with another person. Similar to eros which is more on romantic teasing and actions, Ludus is more on playfulness and child-like affection to one another.

Mania (Obsessive Love)

Definition:

Mania is an obsessive love towards a partner. It leads to unwanted jealousy or possessiveness — known as codependency. Most cases of obsessive love are found in couples with an imbalance of love towards each other. An imbalance of Eros and Ludus is the main cause of Mania. With healthy levels of playful and romantic love, the harm of obsessive love can be avoided.

Love Catalyst: Survival Instinct

Survival instinct drives a person to desperately need their partner in order to find a sense of self-value. This makes the person even more obsessive towards their obsession.

Philautia (Self-Love)

Definition:

Philautia is a healthy form of love where you recognize your self-worth and don’t ignore your personal needs. Self-love begins with acknowledging your responsibility for your well-being. It’s challenging to exemplify the outbound types of love because you can’t offer what you don’t have.

Love Catalyst: Soul

Our soul allows you to reflect on your necessary needs and physical, emotional and mental health.

Agape (Selfless-Love)

Definition:

Agape is the highest level of love to offer. It’s given without any expectations of receiving anything in return. Offering Agape is a decision to spread love in any circumstances — including destructive situations. Agape is not a physical act, it’s a feeling, but acts of self-love can elicit Agape since self-monitoring leads to results.

Love Catalyst: Spirit

Your spirit creates purpose bigger than yourself. It motivates you to pass kindness on to others.

Utilizing the types of love depending on your current status

Like a bouquet, utilizing a combination of different types of love can create something beautiful that leaves a lasting impression. Blossom your connections with the best combination of love. Though there isn’t a perfect equation for every relationship, these combinations can provide a perspective on how to work various types of love into your relationships. After all, a happy heart is a healthy heart. Take a look at our recommended combinations below. Be conscious of the different love catalysts to help you feel the different types of love. The table below shows the type of love and what type of common relationship it is found on.