Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate care and affection however you don’t always need romance to commemorate love. Whether you are attending a Galentine’s Day brunch, treating yourself to a night of self-care or planning a romantic rendezvous, I encourage you to look within and examine how your relationships impact you and contribute to your life!
Every relationship can have a different meaning to you. This is due to there being different types of love associated with relationships. Just like a snowflake, every love is unique and there can be different traits and characteristics found in every type of love!
We tend to think love occurs only between romantic partners but this is rarely the case. Humans can experience up to eight different types of love with their relationships, friends, family, and even strangers on the street! The Greeks studied love and signified eight different types giving each a Greek name. Today, there are even propellers of love known as love catalysts that can enhance or intensify love within relationships!
What is a Love Catalyst?
A love catalyst is the part of yourself that enhances your experience with a type of love and can provoke certain feelings to arise. These feelings can lead to positive emotions that can enhance your relationship with a romantic partner, friend or with yourself – hello self-care! For example, self-love is intensified by the soul and affectionate love is propelled by the mind!
8 Different Types of Love
To help you understand the eight types of love FTD has created eight love characters to represent the types of love found in every relationship. Find which love type you identify with by meeting each below!
1.Philia: Affectionate Love
Philia or “brotherly love” is love without romantic strings and usually occurs between friends or family. When individuals share the same values and respect for each other they are displaying Philia.
Love Catalyst: The Mind
Your mind decides who you can trust based on these feelings of respect and familiarity.
2. Pragma
Pragma is a mature love between a couple that has grown and matured for many years. Commitment and dedication are required to achieve Pragma and it is also known as everlasting love.
Love Catalyst: Etheric (Subconscious)
The love catalyst for Pragma is the subconscious. You are driven towards each other unknowingly however there is a sense of purpose in your unity.
3. Storge: Familiar Love
Storge is a natural love common between parents and children as well as between close friends. This love is built on deep emotional connection and acceptance of each other.
Love Catalyst: Causal (Memories)
The love catalyst for Storge is memories. As you create more memories the value and emotional attachment to the relationship increases.
4. Eros: Romantic Love
Eros is a passionate love that is displayed through physical affection. This love is a desire for another person’s body and touch. Common displays are through kissing, holding hands and hugging.
Love Catalyst: Physical Body (Hormones)
Physical touch lights a fire in you and romantic actions create more admiration for your partner.
5. Ludus: Playful Love
Ludus is known as the “honeymoon stage” of relationships and consists of child-like play and teasing the one you are interested in.
Love Catalyst: Astral (Emotion)
Emotions inspire you to feel giddy and excited with your newer or newly interesting partner.
6. Mania: Obsessive Love
Mania is an obsessive love with your partner and can lead to possessiveness and jealousy. Most cases of obsessiveness can lead to an imbalance in the relationship however a healthy dose of playfulness and romantic love can even out the relationship.
Love Catalyst: Survival instinct
Codependency can lead to a person feel desperate for their partner in order to find self-value. This lack of self-confidence can make a partner feel like they need the other to survive.
7. Philautia: Self Love
Philautia is the practice of self-love and self-value. It also means you recognize your personal needs and are responsible for your well-being.
Love Catalyst: Soul
Your soul lets you understand your needs whether they are physical, emotional or mental.
8. Agape: Selfless Love
Agape is the highest level of love a person can offer. Offering Agape is loving throughout any and all circumstances. Agape is not a physical act but a love that creates purpose larger than yourself.
Love Catalyst: Spirit
Your spirit motivates you to be kind and shows others kindness before yourself.
Find Your Love Combo
To see what your perfect combo is, take a look at the recommended combinations they provided as well! Be conscious of the different love catalysts to help you feel traits from each type of love.
This Valentine’s Day, let love be your guide and take a hint from the Ancient Greeks. Inspect some of your relationships to identify what kind of love you express and try some creative ideas to enhance it!
Happy loving!
