The 5 kinds of Love:
1. EPITHUMIA. is of Greek origin and is a love based on a strong desire of many sorts. Many times it is associated with lust or sometimes to covet. While epithumia love can draw couples closer together. It can also be divisive as it can lead to an uncontrollable desire to have or to own. Epithumia love can also nurture strong bonds in a couple if they both experience it especially in a sexual context. To mutually desire each other sexually and to engross themselves in love making that is driven both by desire and selflessness in pleasing each other. Epithumia love is a double edged sword and is most likely manifested in a positive manner in the early stages of a relationship.
2. EROS. This love is most associated with romance. It is that head-over-heels feeling we get when a relationship moves forward. Your world and mind circles about your loved one and they are always on your mind. You strive for time together romantically. It is manifested in poetry, words of affirmation, love making, that special look in the eyes.. A feeling that you could not be happy in life without your companionship and love. Eros love is wholly emotional and cannot be summoned at will. Most experts estimate that it will last 18-24 months in the best of relationship before it moves on to another form of love.
3. STORGE. It is often described as a comfortable old shoe relationship comprised of natural affection and a sense of belonging to each other. Storge love represents a safe haven for couples as it is a place of acceptance, mutual respect and shelter. Many couple dwell in storge love for years and misunderstand it as mundane or boring. But in effect it is a very safe place but can simply lack that spark we seek. It can also serve as the moat around marriage, protecting it from outside forces and allow the other types of love to dwell and flourish. Storge love can co-exist with other type of love and can be likened to a foundation made up of trust and safety.
4. PHILEO. This love cherishes and has a tender affection for the beloved but it expects a response. It is a love of relationship, comradeship, sharing, communication and friendship. While eros makes lovers, phileo makes a close companionship that is all trusting. They share each other´s thoughts, feelings, attitude, plans and dreams. They confide in each other most intimate secrets, fears and needs that they would not share with another. A marriage without phileo will be unsatisfactory.
5. AGAPE. Particularly significance to marriages in troubled waters, especially if partner has disconnected. To love agapely is to love your spouse completely, love them wholly, but expect nothing in return from them at the current time. Agape love is different from eros love in that it is not sexual, nor romantic in nature. Its nature is that of self-sacrifice but is not unconditional. You can love your partner completely and still have boundaries and maintain your self-respect. Agape love is also different from the other kinds of love, because you can choose it. This kind of love can help you to “protect” yourself during difficult times as you love your spouse but expect nothing in return.
I find it interesting to learn more about relationships, so that I can use it in my future love. =D
(Source: talkaboutmarriage.com)
