The 7 Types of Love
Understanding the Many Ways We Connect
When most people think of love, they often imagine romantic relationships—roses, passion, and falling head-over-heels. But love is much broader and deeper than just romance. In fact, the Ancient Greeks identified seven distinct types of love, each representing a different way we form emotional bonds.
Understanding these types of love can help us navigate relationships with more clarity, compassion, and purpose. Let’s explore what they are and how they show up in our lives.
1. Eros – Romantic, Passionate Love
Named after the Greek god of love, Eros is fiery, intense, and full of desire. This is the kind of love that draws you in with physical attraction and emotional longing. It's the spark that often ignites a new relationship, but it's also the most fleeting if not nurtured with deeper connection.
Healthy eros involves mutual respect and consent, not just infatuation.
2. Philia – Deep Friendship
Philia is the love between close friends—the kind that feels like soul-level connection without romantic attraction. This love is based on shared values, trust, loyalty, and emotional intimacy.
Philia teaches us that deep love doesn’t always require romance to be real or meaningful.
3. Storge – Unconditional, Familial Love
This is the natural, instinctual love that grows between parents and children, or among siblings and family members. Storge is built over time through familiarity, nurturing, and a sense of safety. While it’s often assumed in families, it still needs to be protected and maintained.
This love can also be found in adoptive or chosen families—it’s about care, not biology.
4. Agape – Selfless, Universal Love
Agape is the most selfless form of love. It’s the compassion we feel for strangers, the forgiveness we extend even when it’s hard, and the love that expects nothing in return. It’s often described as spiritual or divine love.
Agape invites us to love beyond our personal circles—with empathy for all.
5. Ludus – Playful, Flirtatious Love
Ludus is the fun side of love—the teasing, flirting, and lighthearted connection that often shows up in the early stages of romance. It’s the butterflies, the text messages, and the spontaneous laughter.
While Ludus can feel carefree, it still thrives on respect and clear boundaries.
6. Pragma – Committed, Enduring Love
Unlike the fiery passion of Eros, Pragma is the steady, mature love that develops over time. It’s the love of long-term partnerships, rooted in commitment, compromise, and shared goals. It’s not always exciting, but it’s deeply rewarding.
Pragma shows us that love is a choice we make every day—not just a feeling.
7. Philautia – Self-Love
Last but definitely not least, Philautia is the love we extend toward ourselves. It can be healthy—self-compassion, self-respect—or unhealthy, like narcissism. Balanced Philautia helps us set boundaries, believe we are worthy, and care for others without losing ourselves.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Loving yourself is not selfish—it’s essential.
Why Knowing These Types of Love Matters
Understanding these different types of love can change the way we show up in all areas of life. Maybe you're neglecting Philautia while chasing Eros. Maybe you're craving Pragma after too much Ludus. Or maybe you're seeking more Agape in a world that often feels divided.
Love isn’t one-size-fits-all. And when we start to recognize the diversity of love, we can build more balanced, fulfilling relationships—with others and with ourselves.
Contact Bee Blissful today if you’d like to learn more about how to foster these different types of love.
