Around valentines day there is loads of talk about love and an overall want to be in a romantic relationship, but what if you could experience all the benefits of a romantic relationship without being in one. There are 5 kinds of platonic love, platonic meaning non-romantic and each kind has their own way of showing compassion.
Philia is the term coined by Greek philosophers to accurately describe the love shared between friends and long term bonds. Ways that philia is shown is acceptance of differences and showing compassion, trust and honesty toward each other. There are 3 types of philia the first kind being usefulness, a friendship having benefits mostly found among peers. The second type of philia is pleasure, this friendship is based on enjoyment of being around that person. The third and last kind is virtue, this friendship is based on genuine care for each other.
Agape is also a Greek term used to describe unconditional love or selfless bonds. Agape is mostly found in bonds between parents and children or love for animals or pets. Some ways that agape is shown is through acts of service and showing kindness and compassion. Agape can also be shown through connections like love for a career or a passion for a sport or a game.
Storage, a Greek term to describe the love we feel between family bonds, is similar to agape. While agape is unconditional and could be unreturned storage is a bond between family members. Ways that storage is shown are through gaining honor for your family, being devoted to your family, and showing affection with family bonds.
Pragma, a Greek similar to philia, is a love connection based on friendship alignment. Pragma is a lasting bond created from genuine connections made through values or goals. Some ways that you can show pragma are doing work or activities together and putting equal effort into the relationship.
Philautia is a Greek term used to describe the love you have for yourself or self love. Some ways that you can show self love are taking time for yourself, acts of service, and self check ins. This is a connection that everyone is capable of having. Self love can also be shown through self acceptance allowing yourself to be forgiven can build bonds with yourself and strengthen your understanding of how you accept love.
Love manifests itself in a myriad of ways, each way meaning something different and teaching you how you view relationships with friends, family members, and yourself. Each type of love is felt and expressed in its own unique way, so even if you are not in a romantic relationship this valentines day try and pay attention to how you can show love and compassion platonically.