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Does love always make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Or does it sometimes cause us prob-
lems in our relationships? Well, the answer is both.

Humans are inherently selfish. We all want to “win” and to get other people to understand what
we want. And unfortunately, that often results in two people who just don’t understand each
other. Because of that, their relationship suffers.

One key to healthy relationships is understanding the different types of love. Everyone gives and
receives love differently. In addition to that, some people are much more capable of
experiencing certain types of love than others.

Agape: Unconditional Love

First, we have agape love. This is an altruistic, selfless, unconditional love. The Greeks thought it
was quite radical, perhaps because so few people seem capable of feeling it long-term.

Some people would describe agape as a type of spiritual love. For example, Christians believe
that Jesus exhibited this kind of love for all humans. He was selfless and sacrificed Himself so that
others could be rid of their sins. He suffered for the happiness of others.

Agape is universal love, such as the love for strangers, nature, or God. It does not depend on
familiarity. Agape can be said to encompass the modern concept of altruism, defined as
unselfish concern for the welfare of others. Recent studies link altruism with a number of benefits.
In the short term, altruism leaves us with a euphoric feeling—the so-called ‘helper’s high’. In the
longer term, it is associated with better mental and physical health, as well as longevity. Altruism,
or agape, helps to build and maintain the psychological, social, and, indeed, environmental
fabric that shields, sustains, and enriches us. Given the increasing anger and division in our
society, and the state of our planet, we could all do with quite a bit more agape.

Agape love is selfless love, the love for humanity. It is the closest to unconditional love. The love
you give without expecting anything in return reflected in all charitable acts. It is the
compassionate love that makes us sympathise with, help and connect to people we don’t
know. The world needs more Agape love.

This is an unconditional love of humanity that sees beyond the outer surface and accepts the
recipient for whom he/she is, regardless of their flaws, shortcomings or faults. It’s the type of love
that everyone strives to have for their fellow human beings. Although you may not like someone,
you decide to love them just as a human being. This kind of love is all about sacrifice as well as
giving and expecting nothing in return. The translation of the word agape is love in the verb –
form: it is the love demonstrated by your behaviour towards another person. It is a committed
and chosen love.

Example of Agape love: The person in your life that is always giving to others and needing noth-
ing in return. This is the way they show their love, and this is the way they are energized through
love. By giving all that they have, and all that they are, to those around them, they find beauty
in life.