What does it mean to be loved?
From the moment we are born we are wrapped in the arms of someone that will cherish us and love us unconditionally…
“Being in love refers to the overwhelming sentiments that take over during the beginning of a relationship. Infatuation, delight, enthusiasm, and anxiousness are among examples. It is this sense of being carried away by feelings that makes lovers say such things as “I love you!”
It is the overbearing feeling of joy and warmth when you hug another individual.
The sense of nothing else matters when you look into the eyes of the ones you care about.
Different types of love
Affectionate Love
Love that runs deep in true friendship, Love without romantic attraction and occurs between friends or family members. It occurs when both people share the same values and respect each other, it’s commonly referred to as “brotherly love.”
Enduring Love
“Bonded love that matures over many years. It’s an everlasting love between a couple that chooses to put equal effort into their relationship. Commitment and dedication are required to reach enduring love.” Instead of “falling in love,” you are “standing in love” with the partner you want by your side indefinitely.
Familiar Love
“Naturally occurring love rooted in parents and children, as well as best friends. It’s an infinite love built upon acceptance and deep emotional connection. This love comes easily and immediately in parent and child relationships.”
Romantic Love
“Love that comes as a natural instinct for most people. It’s a passionate love displayed through physical affection. These romantic behaviors include, but are not limited to, kissing, hugging and holding hands. This love is a desire for another person’s physical body/ hormones.”
Playful Love
“Child-like and flirtatious love commonly found in the beginning stages of a relationship (a.k.a. the honeymoon stage). This type of love consists of teasing, playful motives and laughter between two people. Although common in young couples, older couples who strive for this love find a more rewarding relationship.”
Obsessive Love
“Obsessive love towards a partner, It leads to unwanted jealousy or possessiveness, known as codependency. Most cases of obsessive love are found in couples with an imbalance of love towards each other. With healthy levels of playful and romantic love, the harm of obsessive love can be avoided.”
Self Love
So important! “Healthy form of love where you recognize your self-worth and don’t ignore your personal needs. Self-love begins with acknowledging your responsibility for your well-being. It’s challenging to exemplify the outbound types of love because you can’t offer what you don’t have.”
Selfless Love
“The highest level of love to offer. It’s given without any expectations of receiving anything in return. Offering selfless love is a decision to spread love in any circumstance, including destructive situations.”
With all the different types of love maybe it can be envisioned like a bouquet of flowers.
Throughout our life journey, we surely endure many different love types and stages of love.
If we can distinguish that love comes in every different shape and size maybe that will allow us to feel less hurt and more heart filled memories for time to come.
We Accept The Love That We Think We Deserve
-Stephen Chbosky
This post was written by Lauren K., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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