What Is Love?
Love is a universal emotion experienced by humans around the world. Depending on the individual, it can be romantic, platonic, or familial. It can also be felt towards animals, friends, freedom, or God. Love can be one of the most painful emotions to experience, but it can also be one of the most enlightening.
Various philosophers and scholars disagree about what love is exactly, but most agree that it’s an innate human drive that is necessary for survival. Some researchers believe that it is a biologically determined emotion, while others think that it’s more of a complex emotional response.
The physical feeling of love is attributed to the release of oxytocin, often referred to as “the cuddle hormone.” Holding hands, hugging, and having sex all encourage this chemical reaction in the brain that makes you feel good. Other physical signs of love include an increase in energy, a lowered heart rate, and a general feeling of calm.
Although pragma is considered a type of love, it’s not the same as agape. Pragma is based on the idea of mutual benefit, while agape is based on selfless service. These two aspects of love are interrelated and can strengthen each other.
For example, if you’re in love with someone, it may make you want to help them even when it’s not convenient for you. It’s the kind of love that people like Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, or Maya Angelou have displayed. These types of selfless acts of love have shaped the world and helped many individuals in it.
When a person feels agape, they may want to sacrifice their own goals and dreams in order to help others achieve theirs. This is the type of love that is portrayed by people like Mother Teresa and Oprah Winfrey.
Another form of love is philia, which combines feelings of affection and fondness with loyalty and respect. This is the type of love that most people have for their families and friends. It can also be seen in the friendships that develop between teachers and students.
The word ‘love’ is so versatile that it’s easy to confuse it with other emotions or behaviors. For example, a person can feel ‘in love’ with a friend or pet, but they can also feel ‘infatuated’ with a celebrity. So, to avoid confusion, you should define your own version of ‘love’ and stick to it. Otherwise, you could end up with a love that’s not fulfilling or satisfying. Thankfully, defining your own love will also help you to recognize it when you feel it. So, take some time to define your own version of ‘love’ today. It will help you to grow and enjoy your relationships more fully. Good luck!