Love is one of the most mysterious and complex emotions in human experience. It has fascinated philosophers, religions, and the sciences of psychology, anthropology, and biology for centuries. And yet we’re still learning about it.
For starters, we now know that “love” is not a single emotion but a blend of many feelings and behaviors. And it’s important to distinguish between different types of love because they have different effects on your life and well-being.
The main kinds of love are attachment, passion, and companionate affection. Companionate love is a feeling of closeness that does not involve sexual activity or physiological arousal; it’s why you might be happy to see your friend after a long absence, or why you are committed to helping your child make good choices in life. Passionate love involves sexual arousal, but it also has to do with your deepest values and interests. It might be why you support your team or fight for your art.
Finally, there is self-love or unconditional love, which can be expressed as a desire to be good to yourself or a belief that you are worthwhile and valuable. You can show this love by taking care of yourself (exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep), by being a good friend and family member, or by dedicating your skills and efforts to causes you believe in. Happy people are often self-loving, but they do not seek to manipulate others with their love or use it as an excuse to be selfish. They live by the quote, To thine own self be true.