What is love?

Some say there are four types of love (Eros, Philia, Storge and Agape). Some say five (words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service and receiving gifts) and some say seven (Eros, Philia, Storge, Agape, Ludus, Pragma and Philautia).

According to FTD.com’s website, there are eight different types of love.

Which type is it that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside? Let’s explore.

Eros (from which we get the English word erotic) is romantic love, the expression of sexual love or feelings of arousal that are shared between people who are physically attracted to one another.

Philia means close friendship or brotherly love based on mutual respect, shared devotion, joint interests, and common values.

Storge is familial love referring to the type of love shown by a parent for a child or a wide-ranging force which can apply between family members, friends, pets and their owners, companions or colleagues.

Agape is altruistic, selfless, unconditional love. Jesus exhibited this kind of love for all humans. He was selfless and sacrificed Himself so that others could be rid of their sins. He suffered for the happiness of others.

Philautia is self-love, self-compassion. Just as one might show affection and love to another person, one must also show that same affection and love to oneself.

Pragma is enduring love, the opposite of eros love. This type of love doesn’t require a lot of effort in a relationship. Both people are good at making compromises, and each of them puts in equal efforts to make the other person happy.

Ludus is known as the “playful love,” the feeling of infatuation in the early days of romance. It’s the butterflies in your stomach, the giddiness you feel when you see your love walk through the door, and the feeling of never wanting to be without them.

Mania is obsessive love. It’s the type of love that can lead someone into madness, jealousy, or even anger. Many people who experience this type of love suffer from low self-esteem. They fear losing the object of their love, and this fear compels them to say or do some “crazy” things in order to keep them.

In the most basic sense, love is emotion felt and actions performed by someone concerned for the well-being of another person. Love involves affection, compassion, care, and self-sacrifice. Love originates with God as he is the creator of all including us humans. He sent His only Son to show us the example of what love is.

We love others because God first loved us.

Happy Valentine’s Day!