Let's Fall in Love!

Are you a “loveholic” type of person? Perhaps love is one of the greatest purposes of human life. As well aware, Greek philosophers explored the meaning of love and classified its many forms. Let’s explore some Greek words—and one Latin word—that express different kinds of love.

How about filling in the following blanks with the right kind of love?

 

1.  E_________ refers to passionate, romantic love between people who are physically attracted to each other. In Greek mythology, was it was the god of love, better known by his Roman name, Cupid, who used magical arrows to make people fall in love.

 

2.  P___________a is the affectionate love shared between close friends. Plato considered it even greater than eros, believing that the strongest romantic relationships could grow from deep friendship. This idea also inspired the concept of platonic love—a meaningful bond that doesn’t depend on physical attraction.

 

3.  __________pe is unconditional, selfless love that expects nothing in return. It inspires people to put others before themselves, even making great sacrifices for strangers or humanity as a whole. It is the kind of love that moves ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts of kindness and courage. This is a major term in the Christian Bible, which is why it is often defined as “Christian love.”

 

4.  St_________ is familial love that is the natural, affectionate love shared among family members. It includes the bond between parents and children, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren, and other relatives. This love often grows quietly through shared experiences, care, and a lifelong sense of belonging.

 

5.  M_______a refers to obsessive or possessive love that can turn unhealthy. It may involve extreme jealousy, an inability to accept rejection, or an overwhelming fixation on another person. Unlike healthy love, mania can lead to controlling behaviors and emotional distress.

 

6.  ______dus comes from Latin and means “play” or “game.” It refers to playful, casual love that involves flirting, seduction, and romantic fun without necessarily seeking a serious commitment. Over time, this kind of love may develop into eros, growing from playful attraction into passionate romantic love.

 

7.  P_________a is practical, long-term love in which stability, duty, or mutual benefit may take priority over romance and passion. It can be seen in arranged or politically motivated marriages, where couples stay together for financial security, family obligations, or shared interests—even when affection or fidelity is lacking.

 

8.  Ph____________a means self-love—how we see ourselves and feel about our bodies and minds. In a healthy form, it builds self-esteem, confidence, and a positive self-image. But when taken too far, it can turn into arrogance or narcissism. Even self-love, it seems, has two sides! In case we see this kind of love in a leader of a country, that is the worst nightmare.

 

 

Answer Keys

    1.  Eros

    2.  Philia

    3.  Agape

    4.  Storge

    5.  Mania

    6.  Ludus

    7.  Pragma

    8.  Philautia