Exploring the 7 Types of Love: Definitions and Meanings of Different Kinds of Love

Love comes in many diverse forms. The ancient Greeks identified varying manifestations of love, specifying different types to explain the multi-faceted phenomenon. Their insights provide a helpful framework for illuminating the full spectrum of love.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 7 types of love as conceived by the Greeks. Understanding the distinctions between affectionate bonds helps us nurture meaningful relationships with greater mindfulness and nuance.

We’ll cover:

• The different Greek words for love and their meanings
• The characteristics and significance of each 7 types of love
• Examples and applications for the 7 types of love
• Advice on cultivating each form of love

By the end, you’ll gain deeper insight into the complex nature of love and how to nurture greater fulfillment in all your relationships. Let’s dive into demystifying the diverse expressions of love!

The Ancient Greek Framework for the 7 Kinds of Love

The ancient Greek philosophers identified and labeled different types of love to characterize the full depth and dimension of affection. Here’s an overview:

Greek Words for Love

The Greeks had multiple diverse words translating to “love” reflecting love’s complexity:

• Eros – romantic, passionate love
• Philia – affectionate, virtue-based love
• Ludus – playful, flirtatious love
• Agape – altruistic, universal love
• Pragma – committed, companionate love
• Philautia – self-love
• Storge – familial love

Greek Love Categories

Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle organized these love types into categories based on relationship closeness:

• Eros, ludus, and pragma were seen as types of “relational” love experienced interpersonally between partners.
• Storge represented the love between inherently bonded family members.
• Philia embodied the affectionate regard between close friends or community.
• Agape and philautia were viewed as “spiritual” transcendent forms of love requiring insight and devotion.

These diverse Greek conceptions of love offer a meaningful framework for illuminating the full tapestry of affection in our lives. Let’s now explore the 7 types of love in detail.

Eros – Passionate, Romantic Love

The first form of love defined by the Greeks was eros, which represents:

• Passionate, intense romantic love between partners
• Powerful physical and emotional chemistry
• Enchantment, euphoria, desire
• Sexual and erotic attraction
• Excitement, drama, uncertainty
• Possessiveness, jealousy, heartache

Eros is named after the Greek god of love, signifying erotic desire and longing. It connotes the intoxicating stage of infatuation and lust early in romantic relationships.

But this captivating love has a volatile aspect as well, sometimes leading to the highs and lows associated with romance and heartbreak. Eros is perhaps the most thrilling type of love, but requires caution to sustain once passion settles.

Philia – Affectionate, Virtuous Love

Contrasting the fire of eros, the Greeks identified another love grounded in reason and care: philia. This embodies:

• Deep friendship, platonic intimacy
• Shared goodwill, appreciation, warmth
• Values-based care, mutual acceptance, reciprocity
• Support, trust, dependability
• Camaraderie, community, kinship
• Lacking jealousy or possessiveness

Philia represents the benevolent love between dear trusted friends and community. It centers on mutual well-wishing and companionship without the intensity or conditions of romantic bonds.

Aristotle in particular emphasized the importance of cultivating philia’s rational, virtuous friendship. He saw it as essential to human flourishing. Unlike fleeting eros, philia’s care persists through time’s trials.

Ludus – Playful, Flirtatious Love

Not all love need be deep or serious – ludus embodies lighthearted playful affection such as:

• Flirting, teasing, bantering
• The affection between crushes or casual dates
• The dynamic early in relationships before commitment
• Excitement of the chase, but not ensnarement
• Fickleness, intoxication, intrigue
• Avoiding vulnerability, reciprocity, labels

Named after the Roman god of games, ludus refers to the spirited, fun interaction between new romantic prospects. It’s the casual affection shared without expectations of longevity or a future.

But beware love turning into a game with hearts on the line. While thrilling, ludus risks hurt if partners aren’t on the same page about the depth of connection. Open communication keeps this in check.

Agape – Altruistic, Universal Love

Perhaps the most virtuous love named by Greeks is agape:

• Selfless, altruistic love for all humanity
• Empathetic compassion beyond social bonds
• Treating even strangers with kindness
• Charity, generosity, philanthropy
• Seeing shared divinity in all people
• Non-transactional care for the marginalized
• Devotion to relieving suffering

The term agape originated from the Christian tradition to convey devotional, unconditional love. This spiritual love seeks nothing in return but the alleviation of hardship.

Practicing agape love develops our most noble, empathetic qualities. Though challenging, caring deeply even for strangers and those different from us elevates human dignity.

Pragma – Committed, Practical Love

Greek philosophers understood the need for mature love guided by mind as much as heart:

• Committed, companionate love
• Realistic understanding of a partner
• Shared goals, compatibility and interests
• Adapting through life’s changes together
• Compromise, patience, forgiveness
• Relationships requiring constant nurture
• Deepening care, comfort, security

Pragma derives from the Greek word for “practical.” This represents unconditional love reaching beyond initial passion to a phase of mature devotion.

Rather than ditching relationships when romance fades, pragma entails making the daily choice to care for and adapt with a partner. It’s the love that withstands the test of time.

Philautia – Self-Love

The Greeks understood that to love others, we must first love ourselves. Philautia means:

• Developing self-acceptance and inner wholeness
• Recognizing our value sans validation
• Having compassion for our own imperfections
• Taking care of our needs before others’
• Setting healthy boundaries, not self-sacrificing
• Refusing to indulge toxicity or abuse
• Replenishing our spirits through self-care

Philautia reminds us that true love starts from within. Focusing love inward builds self-esteem to then extend love outward. This self-directed love creates the foundation for deeper connections.

Storge – Familial, Unconditional Love

The affection ingrained between close family is called storge:

• Love between parent and child
• The bond between siblings
• Unconditional family acceptance
• Caring due to duty and familiarity more than choice
• Love not earned, but seen as a right
• Overlooking flaws and idiosyncrasies
• Commitment across a lifetime

Storge conveys the deep attachment of “kinship” love. We don’t choose our families. But in ideal families, we bond through an unbreakable trust they will love us no matter what.

This anchoring familial love differs from philia’s reciprocal care or pragma’s gradual devotion. Storge instead represents compulsory lifelong love forged through shared blood.

Why Defining Types of Love Matters

I hope illuminating the 7 kinds of love provides greater clarity on the diverse ways love manifests through our lives and relationships. Distinguishing varieties of love engenders mindfulness about how we approach cultivating strong bonds.

For instance, we understand not all intimacy must be founded on romantic eros to still be meaningful. Or that mature relationships transition from initial passion to pragma’s devoted companionship. The diverse Greeks words for love validate that affection’s manifestations are dynamic, ranging from the electrifying to the cozy.

Most importantly, examining Greek’s philosophy teaches us love is an art requiring wisdom and active practice. Let’s turn to nurturing love in all its forms.

Cultivating Different 7 Types of Love

Here are some suggestions for fostering greater fulfillment through consciously growing the 7 kinds of love:

For Developing Eros

• Prioritize intimacy and passion in your romantic relationship through dates, adventures, eroticism.
• Don’t take the sexual spark for granted – rekindle excitement together.
• Discuss ways to keep the magic alive as practicalities of life arise.

For Nurturing Philia

• Make dedicated time for genuine heart-to-hearts with close confidantes.
• Showreciprocal care through small acts of service and listening fully.
• Keep friendships active through shared activities, not just superficial social media engagement.

For Encouraging Ludus

• Flirt and be playful with your romantic partner, even when familiarity sets in. Keep the chase alive.
• Don’t let flirtation stray into inappropriate emotional or physical territory when in committed relationships.
• Drop over-analyzing and intensity. Have light-hearted fun getting to know new dates.

For Practicing Agape

• Look for everyday opportunities to extend compassion to acquaintances and strangers.
• Donate time or money to charitable causes aligned with your values.
• Fight against personal prejudices and judginess toward those different from yourself.

For Growing Pragma

• Have open discussions with your long-term partner about each of your evolving needs and how to adapt together.
• Reframe agitation with your partner as an opportunity to practice empathy, patience and conflict resolution.
• Do thoughtful gestures to break routine and show you still cherish someone after the honeymoon phase passes.

For Developing Philautia

• Silence your inner critic and treat yourself with the kindness you would a dear friend.
• Identify sources of negativity or toxicity in your life and limit contact.
• Take time for self-care through massage, hobbies, therapy, exercise – anything that replenishes your spirit.

For Deepening Storge

• If familial bonds are strained, be the one to reach out and actively rebuild trust through openness.
• Share fond family memories together reminding you of your shared history.
• Check in emotionally with family beyond just superficial updates. Reaffirm your unconditional bond.

The more mindfully we engage in growing these types of love, the richer our connections and well-being become.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 7 Kinds of Love

To summarize this complete guide to the seven Greek loves, let’s explore some common questions:

Hopefully this detailed guide provides ample framework on demystifying the complex tapestry of affection through the diverse Greek kinds of love. May it provide insight into crafting greater fulfillment and mindfulness in all your relationships!