Baby don’t hurt me… Hehe, not that. Here we will try and define here what is “Love”, sometimes easy sometimes so difficult…
Love is a complex and multifaceted feeling that cannot be precisely defined. It goes beyond the impositions of society and can manifest itself in different ways in human relationships. Although emotions and chemicals in our brain play an important role in love, we cannot deny the influence of culture and society in the way we experience it. From psychology, it is defined as an affective experience that includes needs for intimacy, passion, sexuality and commitment.
The Greeks classified love into different types, each with unique characteristics.
Helen Fisher proposes that love is a motivational system that allows us to satisfy needs such as feeling loved, seeking sexual pleasure, and seeking attachment and security with a partner.
It is something so abstract and complex that it is not so easy to define, and for each person it can have a different nuance.
Types of love
Love is a versatile feeling that manifests itself in various forms in human relationships. The ancient Greeks classified love into different types, each with unique characteristics. Below, we will explore these different types of love:
- Eros: This type of love refers to passion and sexual desire. It is an intense and passionate force that drives people to seek intimacy and physical connection with another person.
- Philos: Known as brotherly or sisterly love or friendship, Philos is based on affinity and affection shared between people. It is a love based on loyalty, trust and mutual support.
- Agape: Agape love is characterized by generosity and altruism. It is an unconditional, selfless love that seeks the well-being and happiness of the other without expecting anything in return. This type of love is found in family relationships, close relationships, and the capacity to love humanity in general.
These are just a few examples of the types of love that can exist in our lives. It is important to keep in mind that love is not limited to these classifications and that each person can experience and define love in a unique and personal way.
Additionally we could add other common types of love:
- Platonic Love: This term comes from the teachings of the Greek philosopher Plato and refers to a non-sexual, non-romantic love, usually between close friends. It is a deep, spiritual connection based on mutual admiration and appreciation.
- Self-Love: Before loving others, it is essential to love oneself. Self-love involves accepting and valuing oneself as one is. Having good self-esteem and taking care of oneself are important aspects of self-love.
- Altruistic Love: This type of love focuses on the well-being and happiness of others. It involves making sacrifices and acting for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return.
- Community Love: Loving the community or a particular group is important for people’s sense of belonging and well-being. This type of love can manifest itself through participation in community activities and caring for others in the community.
- Lasting Love: Love is not always an ephemeral feeling. In strong, lasting relationships, love can evolve and deepen over time, building an even stronger emotional connection.
- Love in Art and Culture: Love has been a constant source of inspiration in literature, music, painting and other forms of artistic expression. Many masterpieces explore the complexities and nuances of human love.
what is love for me?
Talking about romantic love above all? In the end it’s nothing but chemistry 🧪⚗️ in our brain 🧠 that makes us feel good it’s supposed…. And it’s what makes us like those feelings that another person provokes in us.
But feelings are a hard thing to explain, they go way beyond reason sometimes.
For me love, when you love someone, is when you have that person always present. 💭
And smiling like a fool when you think of her.
Worrying about their happiness even ahead than your own.
When romantic songs make you think of that person. 🥰
You see pretty things or things you know she’d like and you’d like her to see them too. 😊
You want to spend time with that person, and when it’s also a healthy bond. It’s not so much a “can’t be without”, it’s not necessity, it’s a decision. 🫂
You’re glad that person also does other things and has their own plans.
And well… There also has to be attraction 🙈
As someone special told me..
If it makes you happy, it doesn’t matter if others don’t understand.
and what is love for you? Tell us in the comments…..
Perspectives on love
Love is a broad and complex subject that has been the object of study and reflection throughout history. Different schools of thought and disciplines have offered different perspectives to understand this universal feeling. Below, we will explore some of these perspectives:
Philosophical view
Philosophy raises fundamental questions about the nature of love. Philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle considered it as a driving force that guides our actions and propels us toward the pursuit of beauty and happiness. In contrast, other philosophers such as Schopenhauer and Nietzsche saw love as a suffering inherent to the human condition, influenced by instincts and the will to power.
Psychological approach
Psychology has provided valuable insights into understanding how love is experienced and lived. According to theories such as that of “interpersonal attraction” developed by Berscheid and Walster, love arises from the combination of factors such as physical proximity, mutual attraction and reciprocity of feelings. On the other hand, psychologist Robert Sternberg proposed a triangular theory of love, which includes three basic components: intimacy, passion and commitment.
Cultural and social views
Culture and society influence the way we perceive and experience love. Each culture has its own norms and expectations regarding love and affectionate relationships. For example, some societies may value passion and romance more, while others emphasize commitment and stability. Likewise, the influence of the media and social networks have transformed our understanding of love and the ways we relate to each other.
Spiritual and transcendental dimension
In many spiritual and religious traditions, love acquires a deeper and more transcendental dimension. Some currents emphasize the importance of love as a transforming force that connects us with the divine and with other human beings. For philosophies such as Buddhism, compassionate and detached love is an essential practice for attaining enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
what is NOT love?
To understand what love is, it is also important to know what it is not. Often, there is a tendency to confuse love with other feelings or situations that may seem similar, but in reality are not of the same nature.
As we mentioned before, love is produced by chemical processes in our brain. And this can have a positive side, or a much more negative and harmful one.
- Obsession: Although sometimes confused, obsession is not love. Obsession is characterized by a possessive and controlling attitude towards the loved one, generating anxiety and emotional dependence.
- Passing infatuation: Initial infatuation, marked by physical attraction and overwhelming passion, is not love in its deepest and most lasting form. Infatuation can fade over time and does not necessarily lead to a solid commitment.
- Attachment: Attachment is not love per se, but a need to feel security and safety. Attachment can be related to fear of loneliness and loss, but does not necessarily imply a deep emotional connection.
It is important to recognize these differences so as not to confuse true love with other transient or negative feelings. Or channel it to take a healthier path.
Authentic love goes beyond obsession, fleeting infatuation or simple attachment, it transcends superficiality and is based on sharing a genuine and lasting emotional connection.
Tell us what love is for you…
