The Vocabulary of the Heart

The season of Love is upon us, and we will be inundated with media regarding romance.  In response to that thought that not everyone has a romantic love, we have tried to widen this view to friendships with concepts such as "Galentines" or "Bromances".  These two views of love, romantic and friendship, still do not seem to encompass enough.  Just as Inuit culture has a multitude of ways to describe snow, the Greeks had a multitude of ways to describe Love:

• Eros — Passionate, romantic desire. Intense, magnetic, often the spark that starts a relationship.

  
  

• Philia — Deep friendship. Trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.

  
  

• Storge — Familial love. The natural affection between parents and children or close family.

  
  

• Agape — Selfless, unconditional love. Compassion for humanity, altruism, spiritual love.

  
  

• Ludus — Playful love. Flirting, teasing, lighthearted connection.

  
  

• Pragma — Enduring, practical love. Long-term commitment built on compatibility and patience.

  
  

• Philautia — Self-love. Healthy self-regard (or, in excess, narcissism).

  
  

  It is imperative that we are reflective on the types of love that we see and welcome into our lives to able to evaluate what is there, what is valued, and what is needed.  This understanding will allows us to communicate our needs to others and build healthier relationships.  This Valentine's Day, challenge yourself to experience and celebrate the many types of love in your life, most of all the love you have for yourself.