Different Types of Love

I came to a realization that the ‘love’ that I have been researching on is the romantic type. There are actually many different types of love such as the love between a child and his/her parents, the love between siblings, and even the love between a pet and its owner. The formal name of these types of love does not currently exist. However, they can be classified as infatuation, romantic love, eros, companionate love, unconditional love, conditional love, puppy love, maternal love, paternal love, soul mate love, divine love, patriotism, self-love, brotherly love, and last but not least, tough love.

Infatuation is an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something. It usually doesn’t last very long and fades away when partners get to know each other.

Romantic love is an abiding love for a partner with whom one feels passion, attraction, and respect. This was the type of love that I have mentioned in previous posts.

Eros refers to sexual, erotic love or desire. It is a lustful type of love.

Companionate love is a relationship or a marriage between partners or spouses as equal companions. It could also be the feelings of warmth towards a friend whom quality time together is greatly enjoyed.

Unconditional love is known as affection without any limitations. This term is sometimes associated with terms such as complete love or ‘mother’s love’.

Conditional love is a type that requires specific conditions in order to be maintained. An example would be a materialistic relationship, in which a couple would only stay together if their partner would give them everything they want and/or need.

Puppy love is an innocent and temporary love that involves two people whom hardly know each other.

Maternal love is a nurturing, accepting and protective kind of love. This love could be between a father or mother and their child.

Paternal love could also be between a father or mother and their child. This type of love involves guidance and some authority.

Soul mate love involves a person who is ideally suited to another as a close friend or a romantic partner. The belief in finding someone who was made for one specific person is a popular belief in our generation.

Devine Love is the type of love that recognizes the divine light in everyone and everything. This usually is related to religion and is believed to be given to everyone as an act of loving God.

Patriotism is the love for the place in which a person lives. It is associated with loyalty and the feeling of belonging and pride.

Self-love is the regard for one’s own well-being and happiness. This love seems to be the hardest to achieve in my generation. The idea of loving and being content with ones self is a rare attribute to have or gain.

Brotherly love is a feeling of humanity and compassion towards fellow human beings. An example would be as simple as looking out for other people, regardless of the relationship between each other.

Tough love is when a person sets boundaries and limitation for another person’s welfare. It’s the type of love that enforces certain constraints that require the other person to take responsibilities for their own actions.

If ‘Love’ was a disease and there are different types of love, it would mean that we’ve all had the disease since the day we were born till the day we die. We grow old loving even if we don’t end up getting married or living with a significant other. Maybe old age isn’t really the cause of death, maybe it was love and the reason that we die at an old age is because our bodies cannot handle anymore of the symptoms that are associated with love.

Resources

"15 Different Types of Love." Examiner.com. 13 Dec. 2012 <http://www.examiner.com/article/15-different-types-of-love>.

Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. 13 Dec. 2012 <http://dictionary.reference.com/>.

"The Different Kinds of Love Mentioned in the Bible." United Church of God. 14 Dec. 2012 <http://www.ucg.org/booklet/marriage-and-family-missing-dimension/divorce-proof-your-marriage/different-kinds-love-menti/>.