By Ann: According to the Ancient Greeks, they are Philia, Eros, Agape, Storge, Ludus, Pragma, Mania and Philautia.
Philia or affectionate love was invented by Aristotle and according to Plato is felt between platonic friends free of sexual attraction. Like a close brotherly bond built on respect, loyalty and trust and is deep and long lasting friendship. Similar to comradely friendship between brothers in arms who have fought side by side in war. Being a selfless, sacrificial love putting oneself before others.
Eros or Erotic Love is named after the Greek god of love and fertility and represents sexual love and passion and desire. It arouses romantic and sexual feelings associated with the physical and primal impulse to procreate between a man and a woman. It is a desire for psychic interaction with other sentient beings. In Greek mythology, Eros was the son of Aphrodite and he is depicted carrying a bow and arrow and his Roman equivalent was Cupid, and Eros’ love can lead to many broken hearts.
Agape love is selfless love or love of neighbours which includes people from all walks of life if we are capable of helping them. In its purest form, it is free from all expectations and comes from loving kindness regardless of where a person comes from or their faults. Agape love accepts and forgives and believes the divine truth for our greater good. It is the love God has for all humans as our father and is the highest form of love in the universe.
Storge or familiar love is involved with kinship and familiarity between parents and their children and a child’s love for their parents and a family love with siblings and close family members. It is an unconditional love parents have for children. Storgic lovers can start out as friends and become Eros lovers. Storge love stems from a natural and instinctual affection between people.
Ludus is a playful love with a bit of eros in it as affection between young lovers. Such as the heart fluttering, flirting and having rose coloured glasses on and noncommittal. Hence why love is sometimes called a game. Such words as teasing, seducing and focusing on having fun with no strings attached. It is childlike and flirtatious and lots of laughter.
Pragma is a committed and compassionate love that grows from eros with two people who have been together a long time and have a lasting bond which cares and cherishes each other. It is a practical love which can be found on duty and long term interest based on personal qualities rather than erotic sexual love such found in arranged marriages.
Mania is derived from the meaning of mental disorder and having an obsessive love which is imbalanced with one person wanting to be rescued and they have poor self esteem. This type of person wants to be loved to feel worthwhile. They can become jealous and needy and act desperate to find a partner and can lead to abusive relationships. This is depicted with Romeo and Juliet with Romeo’s manic feelings and depression and eventual suicide. It can be likened to a stalker and their victim which reached the point of obsession and madness.
Philautia is a love of oneself which can be healthy and taking care of oneself and knowing your self worth. Having a regard for your own happiness with high esteem. There can be a selfish Philautia called Hubris which has a bad self esteem and is narcissistic and uses people to their own advantage like social climbers having excessive pride such as celebrities or politicians.
Love & Light,
Ann
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