What is love? This may be more of a philosophical question or construct (conceptual or subjective), but we do have some information about types of love. Recently I wrote an article referencing the Triangular Theory Of Love and ancient greek words for love, before sharing my nine types of love in relationship. If you would like to read it, you can find it here.

Each person will define love differently, and how you define love is ultimately up to you to decide. You may be able to expand your definition of love and your capacity for love in relationship by considering these nine types of love.

These types of love do relate to the developmental stages in relationship. If you missed that article, you can check it out here.

This last February, Hallmark released a video series, titled Put Your Heart To Paper for a Valentines Day campaign. They asked couples to describe their love without using the word love. It was a very touching and creative exercise. How would you describe your love for your significant other without using the word "love?'

TYPES OF LOVE: 1. FONDNESS:

Regard, devotion, appreciation, admiration, liking, adoring, and affection.

• Appreciation: "I love how you are kind, creative, and honest."
• Gratitude: "I feel so lucky to be with you."
• Value: "I respect and value you and your opinion."
• Admiration: "I am proud to be your significant other."

2. PLAY:

Enjoyment, creativity, flirting, fun, pleasure, and enjoying activities together.

• Fun: "I have so much fun with you."
• Enjoyment: "I love being with you." "I enjoy our time together."
• Video mentioned (couple signing at the gas station).

3. ROMANTIC:

Special connection, ideals, loving, passionate, tender, and affectionate.

• Special: "You mean the world to me."
• Ideals: "The world is perfect with you."
• Tender: "You are my equal."

4. SEXUAL:

Desire, physical intimacy, passion, eroticism, and chemistry.

• Physical intimacy: "I enjoy our physical connection."
• Desire: "Your embrace awakens me."

5. SOULFUL:

Depth of feeling and emotion, emotional intimacy, sharing, heart connection, spiritual connection, inspiration, and motivation.

• Inspiration: "You inspire me to be a better person."
• Optimism: "You remind me that everything is going to be okay."
• Expressing life: "I love how you are so full of life."
• Heart connection: "My heart is bigger because of you."
• Emotional intimacy: "I feel connected to you."

6. TRUST:

Support, reliance, family, belonging, unconditional, loyalty, patience, and tolerance.

• Belonging: "You are home to me."
• Supportive: "You are there for me. I can count on you."

7. TOGETHERNESS:

Partnership, teamwork, comradery, common goals, working together, warm fellowship, and companionship.

• Partnership: "I love what we create together."
• Companionship: "I feel so grateful to share life with you."

8. ALTRUISTIC:

Selfless love, care and regard for your partner's well-being, wishing well, and benevolence.

• Benevolence: "I want that for you."
• Care for another's well-being: "Namaste" – The light in me recognizes and acknowledges the light in you.
• Bruce Van Horn's Life Is A Marathon

9. SELF-LOVE:

Regard for one's own well-being and happiness, not being self-absorbed, but true regard and care for self.

• Knowing, loving, and honoring yourself.
• "To say 'I love you' one must know first how to say the 'I'". ~ Ayn Rand Quotes
• Expanding your capacity to give and receive love.

Building your repertoire of love will help you grow and experience more love within your relationships. You have the opportunity to cultivate and share in love at any moment and at any time.

Thank you for listening. If you have more ideas or thoughts, I would love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment below.

If you have a topic that you would like me to discuss or a situation that you would like me to speak to, please contact me by clicking on the "Ask Dr. Jessica Higgins" button here. Thank you so much for being interested in improving the quality of your relationship.

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