What Types of Love are There, Really?
To love someone, and receive love in return, is one of the most beautiful parts of life. We are meant to be together; not to stand alone.
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Soo… You’re Having Relationship Problems, Now What?
Aristotle spoke about multiple types of love; to him they were divided into Eros, Philia, and Agape. Eros, focusing on romantic relationships, is the most memorable of these distinctions but that doesn’t mean it's the most important. There is also Philia, or friendship, which is known as the highest form of love because it is inspired by a mutual desire for the others' wellbeing with no additional motives. However, Agape is the most selfless and unconditional love, such as the love between a parent and child or between a person and their higher power. These ancient ideas about relationships permeate our connections with each other and ourselves.
Today, we speak about these types of love in slightly different terms, but the root ideas are the same as they were centuries ago:
Romantic Love
This love sets your soul on fire. This love is often characterized by its physical intimacy, but romantic love is born from the emotional intimacy you share with a partner or partners. This love can become all-consuming and shift perspectives that you thought would never change. A true romantic relationship can take you places you never thought you’d go! One of the things I love most about my relationship is that it started off long-distance so we had a lot of time to get to know one another before the physical part of the relationship began. I have never felt safer; both physically and emotionally.
Platonic Love/Friendship
Platonic relationships can be just as impactful and emotionally intimate as their romantic counterparts. Though I love my boyfriend, I couldn’t imagine a life without my best friends to turn to when times are hard and to laugh with when times are good. The Now What? girls live life by my side and I can’t ever thank them; other than to wish only for their well being like they do for me. Don't skimp out on fostering these relationships because good friends can build you up in a way no one else can.
Familial Love
Family is forever. You know them from the second you’re born until the day you die. Though it’s not always an easy relationship; the bonds you have with your family can never fully be broken. Lean into this support if you can and know that there are others out there for you if you can’t. My family fights like it's nobody’s business, but when it comes down to it, I know they will be there for me. And, in their own way, they love me.
No matter where you look, you will find love. Across time zones and generations. It's the thing we know but still can’t explain.
