- Did you know that Ancient Greeks used 8 different words for “Love”? What we throw under the same umbrella of love (“I love you, baby”) are many different feelings and emotions.
- There is of course “Eros”, which means “Sexual Passion”. But did you know about “Ludus – Playful Love”? Or “Pragma – Longstanding, Mature Love”?
- A successful relationship should include a healthy mix of all Loves that Greeks knew about.
1. Eros – Sexual Passion
Sparks that fly in the bedroom. Sexual compatibility is knowing your intimate desires and communicating them to your partner. Eros is an important and often overlooked part of any relationship.
2. Philia – Deep Friendship
Passion alone will take your relationship only so far. Loyalty to one another, making sacrifices, and sharing emotions are all elements of a successful partnership. Philia is also the type of love that you can get from your friends – and isn’t your partner supposed to be your best friend?
3. Ludus – Playful Love
That feeling of “butterflies” you get when you see each other. Present in young relationships, it can, unfortunately, dissipate over time. Dance, sing, and be silly around each other more often to rekindle the lost “spark”.
4. Agape – Unconditional, Selfless Love
Being prepared to go out of your way to care for the other person – whether it’s a family member or a distant stranger. When you put love out in the world, the world becomes a better place, and that love will come back to you tenfold.
5. Pragma – Longstanding, Mature Love
What makes any relationship work long-term. In your journey together, every day will not bring unicorns and rainbows. At times you will feel like you want to strangle your partner. It takes patience, making compromises, and working toward a common goal to overcome these challenges. Understanding this will make any relationship that much stronger and more fulfilling.
6. Meraki – Being Creative Together
You feel Meraki when you lose yourself dancing, painting, cooking, or doing anything else that brings a smile to your face. Sharing this feeling with your partner is a great way to share common interests and desires. Like dressing up for Halloween together.
7. Philautia – Self-Love
If you don’t love yourself, how can you expect your partner to love you? Practice loving yourself every day, Gem!
8. Mania – Obsessive Love
Ok, let’s limit our obsession with your partner to a healthy minimum.
3 Comments
Love this list! It’s always good to have a healthy balance of all these elements 🙂
Who wrote, or sang, that song that goes, “There are many more ways than one, my dear, many more ways than one.”
Umm, you stated 9 and listed 8? Not that you didn’t do well but you’re kinda one short..🤔😅