That was the question posed by psychologist Paulette Sherman, author of a book on the laws of attraction. She then proceeded to answer this with multiple definitions in what she called her "stream-of-consciousness associations."
According to Dr. Sherman, there are approximately 15 types of love, as follows:
"Infatuation - Loving feelings towards a love object that are largely based upon fantasy and idealization (instead of experience). Often when partners get to know each other, infatuation diminishes.
Romantic Love - An abiding love for a partner with whom you feel passion, attraction, caring and respect.
Eros - A passionate love usually involving sexual feelings for a love interest.
Companionate Love - Feelings of warmth towards a friend with whom you love to spend time
Unconditional Love - A type of affection and caring that is so strong that you feel it consistently, regardless of what that other person does
Conditional Love - A love that requires specific actions or conditions in order to be maintained. For example, at its extreme, a parent who gives very conditional love would only love his child when he gets straight A’s, becomes a surgeon and has two children. The love is based on outside conditions and when they do not occur, the love is withdrawn.
Puppy Love - A childish, innocent temporary crush on someone that you don’t know well.
Maternal Love - This term usually connotes love that is nurturing, accepting and protective. In actuality this love can also be given by a father etc.
Paternal Love - This term connotes love that involves guidance and some authority. Paternal love usually prepares a child to be ready for the outside world. Again, in reality this type of love is not gender specific.
Soulmate Love - This type of love is described as a love that has survived multiple life times. Not everyone believes in this concept.
Spiritual/Divine Love - This type of love recognizes the Divine light in everyone and everything. Love is given to everyone as an act of loving God.
Love of your country or patriotism - This is love for the place you live or the place that were born. It is a type of loyalty and a special feeling of belonging that you attribute to that specific geographic location.
Self-Love - This is a positive feeling that you have about who you are and what you deserve. It often is expressed by treating yourself well, respecting yourself, wanting yourself to be happy and expecting others to respect you too.
Brotherly Love - This term connotes having a feeling of love for your neighbor, because all humanity is considered to be part of a larger family of human beings.
Tough Love - This term is used to describe a love that is expressed by setting boundaries for the good of the other person. So for example, a parent may send their teenager to rehab if he is drug addicted, even if he does not want to go. They feel that this is an act of love because it stems from a desire for their son’s ultimate good and happiness."
It's been estimated that over 60 percent of all songs today revolve around the heat of love, the romantic sort but of course. The book of Corinthians has a well-known take on the subject. Always been my favorite.
Always will.
