Here’s what they’re all about, plus how to know which one(s) you’re feeling. Nevertheless, she adds, “We can certainly love people in a multitude of ways, and often do. When we think about the different Greek words for love, it’s possible to see how these connect to the greater categories of passionate and compassionate love.” The question of what it means to love someone has been the inspiration behind so many songs for a reason: It’s a very complicated emotion that we all experience differently. Take the five love languages, for example. Everyone has their own way of giving and receiving love, especially with different people. Below are the eight types of love described in the Greek language and how to navigate each one. RELATED STORY: What Does Love Actually Feel Like? 10 Feelings To Look For Hallett adds, “Sexual interest, lust, or passion don’t necessarily evolve into lasting compassionate love.” Pragma requires a commitment to each other and might be thought of as a conscious choice or perhaps as the type of love that takes years to develop through bonding and shared experiences. Whiting notes: “The brain’s response to a cherished long-term partner looks like contentment, caring, and nurturing.” Hallett adds that eros can develop into pragma, and, in fact, many romantic relationships involve both: “Strong romantic relationships involve a combination of passionate love and compassionate love, which promotes an enduring and positive relationship.” RELATED STORY: How Long Does It Take To Fall In Love? What Research Says Be honest with yourself: Is it romantic, selfless, friendly, or playful? Another way to tell which kind of love you’re experiencing is to consider how long you’ve known each other. “Generally speaking,” Hallett says, “when we feel a strong, positive connection to someone and find ourselves caring about their well-being and supporting them through our actions, this is compassionate love, and likely involving elements the Greeks referred to as philia, ludus, and agape.” Importantly, you can absolutely feel a combination of different loves for different people. Some common combos are: “There are many versions of attraction that draw people together, especially in intimate relationships, but for a long-lasting relationship, it is important to have both passion and friendship,” Whiting noting. “In the brain, these two states light up in different but overlapping areas.” No matter who or how you’re loving, giving and receiving love is one of life’s greatest joys, and understanding what we’re feeling for the people in our lives can help us nurture our relationships to be the most fulfilling they can be.
