Eight Forms of Love
Horatio refers to them, but mentioned only 7 of eight.
Eros: Named after the god of love, this is passionate, sexual love characterized by intense desire. The Greeks viewed it as a powerful and potentially dangerous force.
Philia: This describes the love of friendship, loyalty, and shared experiences.
It is a love between equals and a dispassionate, virtuous affection.
Storge: This is the natural affection felt between family members, such as parents and children.
Agape: This refers to unconditional, selfless love, often described as divine or universal love extended to all people.
Ludus: This is the playful, sometimes flirty and teasing, kind of love, often seen in the early stages of a relationship.
Pragma: This is enduring love that has developed over a long period and is based on commitment, compromise, and patience.
Philautia: This is self-love. The Greeks understood it can be a positive form of self-compassion or a negative, narcissistic obsession.
Mania: This is obsessive, possessive love that can border on madness.
It is characterized by jealousy and extreme emotional states.
So remember - eros (romantic/passionate love), philia (deep friendship), storge (familial love), agape (unconditional, selfless love), ludus (playful love), pragma (enduring love), philautia (self-love), and mania (obsessive love).
Comments