Love is one of the most intense feelings in human beings. We experience love for our friends, family members, romantic partners and even animals.
While people generally agree that love is a strong feeling of affection for another person, there are many disagreements about how we define it and whether or not it is a primary emotion, a secondary emotion or simply a physiological drive. Some psychologists and researchers argue that love is a complex emotion, while others say it is an essential physiological drive similar to hunger or thirst.
The concept of love has been a favorite topic of philosophers, poets, writers and scientists for centuries. While different groups and individuals disagree on its precise definition, most believe that it involves a mix of emotions, behaviors and beliefs associated with strong feelings of affection, respect, warmth, and protectiveness for another person.
Psychologists believe that there are a number of types of love, with each type having its own unique characteristics. These include:
Storge Love (AKA Erotic Love)
In a recent study, psychologists found that people who endorse storge love often have more trusting relationships and are less likely to be needy or dependent. They also tend to be more open and honest with their partner about their true feelings, expressing a high level of affection.
Storge love is a good thing, but it is important to know when to let go and move on. It’s also helpful to remember that all loving relationships have ups and downs and that you should not be afraid to reach out for help if things get too difficult in your relationship.
Agape Love
A form of love that is selfless and unselfish, agape love involves sacrificing yourself for someone else or something you care about. This kind of love is important for people in their relationships and can be a source of healing.
This love can come from a god, or it can be from a higher power such as a spiritual leader. This kind of love is usually a guiding principle in religious practices and is often the foundation of spiritual development, compassion, kindness, forgiveness and generosity to others.
It can also be a way to express appreciation for other forms of spirituality, such as yoga or Buddhism. This kind of love is a powerful force that can change your life and the lives of others around you.
Companionate Love
This kind of love is felt between close friends and family members, especially in relationships that last a long time. This kind of love is based on a mutual commitment to one another and often revolves around shared experiences, shared memories and the feeling that you are bonded with each other.
Romantic Love
When you feel romantic love, your brain is activated by primitive neural systems that are triggered when you think about your loved one. This can be due to the arousal of central dopamine that is produced by a neuron in the mid-brain region. The arousal of this dopamine is the reason why people often have a euphoric feeling when they think about their partner.