1. Eros (sexual, romantic passion)

Eros is known as a romantic passionate love named of course after the Greek god of love and desire. Eros usually occurs in the first stages of a relationship, and it’s described as a fiery, intoxicating form of love-arousing sexual and romantic feelings. Eros can make you completely lose control as you are infatuated with your partner. Eros often fades away over time and converts into a different type of love or simply dies out.

2. Philia (affectionate love, deep friendship)

Philia love is the type of love you would have toward a friend. It’s a platonic, friendly, respectful love and could be just as powerful as a romantic relationship, meaning that friendship ‘break-ups’ can be just as painful. Philia love can be shown when you trust, care, and appreciate one another. With philia love, emotional and mindful love is stronger than physical attraction, hence why it is geared more towards friendship.

3. Ludus (playful love)

Ludus love is known as a playful giddy love that typically occurs when you have a crush or in the earliest stages of a relationship. Ludus usually is portrayed by flirting or teasing –  say when you first meet someone. This is a type of love that is fun, flirtatious and sometimes there are no strings attached. Though it is usually portrayed in the earliest phases of a relationship, it can be shown throughout the relationship and it’s what keeps the relationship alive and exciting. It usually develops when you have a crush on someone and are in the flirting, teasing phases when you are getting to know one another.

4. Agape (love for everyone, universal love)

Possibly the purest love there is, agape love can be defined as selfless, charitable, unconditional love for all. It’s a love that can be portrayed to anyone and everyone without having it be romantic or biological love. Often interpreted through religious meaning, agape refers to empathy, forgiveness, trust, and acceptance of everyone. Being kind to others, offering help, and not expecting anything in return is thought of as the topmost form of agape love.

5. Pragma (enduring, longstanding love)

Pragma love is a love that has gone through its ups and downs and has developed over time. It has matured far beyond friendship and physical love. It is a love many people work hard to achieve either through patience or compromise. This love can be shown through married couples who have been together for years or a long-lasting friendship.

6. Philautia (love of the self, self-love)

Probably the most important type of love there is! Philautia refers to self-love and though it may sound like a modern concept, the Greeks understood that to love others you must love yourself first. To improve relationships or friendships, whether it’s through romantic, playful, or affectionate love, we must learn and accept to love ourselves. Philautia can be found in the form of self-care and taking care of our body and mind. After all the relationship we have with ourselves is the one we will be in the longest.

7. Storge (familiar, family love)

Storge love is a strong emotional long-lasting bond signifying the love a parent and child have which can also present itself to close family friends you’ve known since childhood. Storge love is strongly linked to meaningful memories you create making the relationship a lot deeper feeling safe, secure, and support from one another.

8. Mania (obsessive love)

Mania is known as an obsessive jealous type of love. It strands from a co-dependency point of view where one may need constant reassurance from their partner, thus leading to jealousy. Rather than feeling secure and respected in a relationship, mania is considered to have behaviors of a toxic relationship.

 

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