Love isn’t just one feeling—it comes in many forms, each with its own depth, meaning, and impact. Experts recognize seven distinct types of love, each playing a unique role in our lives. From the moment humans first walked the earth, love has been a driving force, shaping relationships, cultures, and personal growth. Understanding these different expressions of love can help you build stronger connections, appreciate those around you, and even develop a deeper sense of self-worth.
One of the purest forms is Agape, or unconditional love, often seen as selfless and boundless. It’s the kind of love that gives without expecting anything in return. Then there’s Storge, the love rooted in family bonds, the natural affection between parents, children, and close relatives. Long-term partnerships thrive on Pragma, a love built on friendship, trust, and shared experiences—love that deepens over time rather than fading.
Self-love, known as Philautia, is one of the most important yet often overlooked types. True self-acceptance and care allow us to love others more fully. The love of friendships, Philia, is the foundation of deep, meaningful connections based on trust, respect, and companionship. Some experience love in a playful and flirtatious way—Ludus—a love that is lighthearted, teasing, and sometimes even self-indulgent. And of course, the most passionate and intimate of all, Eros, which embodies sexual attraction and romantic desire, creating an intense and exhilarating bond between lovers.
Love Transforms
This site is dedicated to exploring these seven forms of love and how they influence your relationships, emotional well-being, and personal fulfillment. Strengthen your romantic connection, deepen friendships, embrace self-love, and understand family bonds, discovering the essence of love can transform the way you interact with the world and those who matter most.
Agape
Agape love is not the same as the natural love we, as humans, instinctively express. Our natural love is often conditional, centering on those closest to us—family, friends, or romantic partners. It thrives on personal connections but can also be self-serving, expecting love in return or focusing only on those who benefit us emotionally.
Agape love, however, is entirely different. It is selfless, boundless, and given freely without expectation. This kind of love extends beyond personal relationships—it embraces humanity as a whole. It is the kind of love that forgives, nurtures, and remains unwavering even in the face of hardship. Agape love seeks the well-being of others, regardless of whether they can offer anything in return. Learning to cultivate this love can lead to a deeper, more fulfilling life.
Storge
Storge is a deep, instinctual love often associated with the bond between parents and children. It is the kind of love that grows naturally over time, rooted in familiarity, protection, and unwavering support. Unlike passionate or romantic love, storgic love is not based on attraction or choice—it emerges from shared experiences, deep care, and the unspoken understanding that exists within families.
While primarily seen in parent-child relationships, storge love extends beyond blood ties. Close siblings, lifelong friends, or even long-term companions can share this kind of affection. It is the kind of love that provides comfort and security, standing resilient through hardships, disagreements, and changes in life. This love does not demand grand gestures or constant affirmation; it is quiet yet profound, revealing itself in small acts of care and presence.
Storge love is also unconditional in nature. Parents love their children not because of what they do, but simply because they exist. This type of bond fosters trust, emotional stability, and a sense of belonging. Even in difficult times, storge remains a powerful force that nurtures, forgives, and endures. Understanding and appreciating this love can help strengthen relationships, bringing warmth and stability into our lives.
Pragma
Philautia
Philautia is the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life, centered on unconditional self-acceptance. It goes beyond surface-level confidence, encouraging a deep, compassionate relationship with oneself. True self-love is not about arrogance or selfishness—it’s about recognizing your worth without external validation.
Can you embrace yourself fully, flaws and all? Accepting yourself means showing kindness in moments of doubt, appreciating your strengths, and treating yourself with the same care you offer others. When you practice Philautia, you build emotional resilience, confidence, and a more positive outlook on relationships. Self-acceptance allows you to love others authentically because you are no longer seeking fulfillment from external sources. Love yourself first, and everything else follows.
Philia
Philia, often referred to as brotherly love, represents a deep bond built on trust, mutual respect, and companionship. It is one of the four major types of love in ancient Greek philosophy, alongside storge (familial love), agape (selfless love), and eros (romantic love). Unlike eros, which is rooted in passion, or agape, which is unconditional and universal, philia thrives on shared values, emotional support, and genuine affection between friends.
In Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, philia is described as the highest form of friendship—one that is not based on mere utility or pleasure but on a deep appreciation for the character and virtues of another person. This type of love strengthens social bonds and creates meaningful relationships that last beyond fleeting attraction or necessity. Interestingly, the word phobia, meaning fear, is derived from the opposite of philia, highlighting how love and fear exist as counterforces in human relationships.
Philia is essential for emotional well-being. True friendships built on philia provide stability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. It is a love that is freely given, offering support and understanding without the expectations found in other types of relationships. In many ways, philia is the glue that holds communities, friendships, and even societies together.
Ludus
Lee’s color wheel of love assigns the color blue to Ludus, also known as Playful Love. The ancient Greeks described it as the type of love young lovers or children experience, full of innocence, excitement, and carefree affection. Unlike deeper, more committed forms of love, Ludus is driven by fun, flirtation, and lighthearted romance, making it one of the most thrilling yet non-serious love styles.
The word Ludus, meaning “sport” or “play”, perfectly encapsulates this love style. Ludus lovers view romance as a game, focusing on seduction, teasing, and the excitement of attraction rather than emotional depth. They enjoy the chase, the mystery, and the challenge of winning someone over. Commitment often takes a backseat, as they thrive in spontaneity and multiple romantic interests. For Ludus types, love is about enjoyment, not attachment, making it an exhilarating but sometimes fleeting experience.
Eros
Eros, the Greek counterpart of the Roman Cupid, is widely recognized as a cherubic, boyish figure depicted in countless works of art. However, this modern representation is far removed from his original mythological roots. In early Greek mythology, Eros was not a playful child with a bow and arrow but a powerful primordial deity representing intense passion, attraction, and creative force.
The myths depicting Eros as the son of Aphrodite (Venus) and Ares (Mars) emerged much later, reshaping his image into a mischievous love-bringer rather than a cosmic force of desire. Originally, he was seen as an eternal and uncontrollable energy that bound all living things through love and attraction. Over time, his portrayal softened, leading to the familiar, romanticized Cupid-like figure associated with playful love, infatuation, and romance.
