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Eros: Romantic love

Eros is named after the Greek god of love and fertility. Therefore, it is usually associated with
romantic, passionate, and physical love. It is an expression of sexual passion and desire.

The Greeks were actually quite fearful of this love, strangely enough. They thought that because
human beings have an instinctual impulse to procreate, that this love was so powerful and it
would result in a loss of control. Although the Greeks thought this kind of love was dangerous, it is
still the kind of love that is associated with passionate, sexual love. Even in modern days, some
people believe that this kind of love “burns hot and bright, but it burns out fast.”

Eros is sexual or passionate love and is the type most akin to our modern construct of romantic
love. In Greek myth, it is a form of madness brought about by one of Cupid’s arrows. The arrow
breaches us and we ‘fall’ in love, as did Paris with Helen, leading to the Trojan War and the
downfall of Troy and much of the assembled Greek army.

Eros was the Greek God of love and sexual desire. He was shooting golden arrows into the
hearts of both mortals and immortals without warning. Eros is defined as divine beauty or lust.
Eros is mainly based on sexual attraction and it is where the term “erotica” came from.

Eros is a passionate and intense love that arouses romantic feelings; it is the kind that often
triggers “high” feelings in a new relationship and makes you say, “I love him/her”. It is simply an
emotional and sexual love. Although this romantic love is important in the beginning of a new
relationship, it may not last unless it moves a notch higher because it focuses more on self
instead of the other person. If the person “in love” does not feel good about their relationship
anymore, they will stop loving their partner. It can turn into other kinds of love – like pragma – but
it starts as romance and attraction.

Example of Eros love: A young couple that meets and immediately feels attracted, and lustful,
towards one another.

Storge: Familiar Love

Storge (‘store-gae’), can be defined as “familiar love.” Although that’s a strange term, this type
of love looks and feels a lot like philia – affectionate love felt between friends. However, this love
is more like a parent-child love.

Just like philia, there is not physical or sexual attraction. But there is a strong bond, kinship, and
familiarity between people.

It is a kind of family and friendship love. This is the love that parents naturally feel for their
children; the love that member of the family have for each other; or the love that friends feel for
each other. It’s based on natural feelings and effortless love. In some cases, this friendship love
may turn into a romantic relationship, and the couple in such a relationship becomes best
friends. Storge love is unconditional, accepts flaws or faults and knows forgiveness, acceptance
and sacrifice. It’s committed, sacrificial and makes you feel secure, comfortable and safe.

Example of Storge love: Think about the kind of love your mother gives you, or your very best
friend. It is rooted in friendship, and understanding, but there is also a deep emotional
connection there.