The Five Types of Love
Love is one of the most powerful, complicated emotions in human life. It has been the subject of many novels, songs and movies, and it is often the focus of our thoughts and conversations. It is a common theme in religions and cultures, and it is an important part of our biological makeup. However, the concept of love is difficult to define because it can be different for everyone. For example, someone might have a very romantic idea of what love means, while another person might have a more practical view. Regardless of the specific definition, there are some common elements that all forms of love have in common.
Romantic love is typically thought of as an intense emotion that combines feelings of lust and attraction with feelings of companionship. This is the type of love that most people in heterosexual and same sex relationships experience. It is the kind of love that is the basis for much of the fiction and drama we see in movies and books, such as Romeo and Juliet. It is also the kind of love that most parents feel for their children.
Companionate love is usually thought of as a more long-term, stable relationship that includes mutual respect and admiration. This is the kind of love that most marriages and other long-term committed relationships involve. It is the kind of love that is a basis for much of the advice and commentary we receive about marriage, such as “marry someone you love, not just like.”
Another type of love is that which involves a feeling of fondness or appreciation. This is the sort of love that people often feel for their pets, hobbies and even some foods. It is the kind of love that many people share with their friends and family.
Commitment is an important component of all kinds of love. It is what binds us to our loved ones, even when they are annoying or irritating. It is what enables us to forgive the small missteps and big ones that we all make in our relationships. Commitment to act lovingly without seeking any return is the fifth form of love. It may be focused on a particular group, such as one’s faith community, or it may be more general and unspecified, as in a love for music or art.
The final thing that is unique to love is the ability to rise above the irrational emotions of like and dislike, to choose a path that we know will bring happiness. It is the choice to be open, to be honest and to be supportive. It is the choice to treat our partners fairly, with dignity and respect.
This article was originally published on The Conversation AU and is reproduced here under a Creative Commons license. Deakin University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU. The Conversation AU is an independent, not-for-profit news organization.
If you’re looking for ideas for your next poem, try writing about your own experiences of love or write a verse based on a famous quote about love. It’s a beautiful subject that is well worth exploring!