What is love?

Valentine's day has us all thinking about love, but what is the definition of love?

Love is an intense feeling of deep affection. There are many different ways we can love and express love. According to the Ancient Greeks, there are 7 different types of love. They are Eros, Philia, Ludus, Pragma, Agape, Philautia and Storge.

Eros was the Greek god of love and sexual desire. This kind of love is the passion or romance you feel towards someone. For many, this is a love that we all crave and desire in our lives. Primarily this

is what Valentine's day is about for most people.

Philia is a love you would have for a sibling or a dear friend. This is a very different kind of love to Eros, as it is entirely Platonic. Philia is an accepting, caring, understanding kind of love.

Ludus love a very flirtatious and playful kind of love. This love is often seen as being a game, with little need for security or roots.

Pragma is longstanding love. This love is an everlasting love which grows over many years. It often refers to the kind of love a married couple has. This is the highest form of love, which involves compromise and understanding.

Agape is the love of the soul. The world always needs agape. This love for humanity and explains the selfless things we do for others and the world each day. Agape love helps us all connect and sympathise with others more.

Philautia is the love of the self, and undeniably one of the most essential kinds of love. Many say that 'you cannot love someone until you can love yourself'. The best thing you can do for yourself is to accept yourself.

And finally, Storge is the kind of love you have for a child. This is the love of sacrifice, forgiveness, acceptance, comfort and security. You can also have this kind of love with your very best friend, a way of love where you would do anything for them.

Now you can see there are many different types of love. If you're alone this Valentine's day, remind yourself of the moments you feel these kinds of love. Any of these types of love will at least give you a reason to smile, and without these kinds of love… what would the world be?