These four love styles are often seen in the strongest relationships. Which one resonates with you?
Everyone approaches love and relationships in their own way. Some people dive in with intense passion, while others build their connection gradually, focusing on a deep friendship first.
According to the study, these four love styles contribute to solid and fulfilling relationships:
1. Eros Love Style
Eros, also known as passionate love, centers on deep emotional bonds and intense physical attraction. This style brings excitement and romance to a relationship, filled with intense emotions, passionate moments, and a deep longing for connection.
Studies suggest that Eros is closely linked to higher levels of marital satisfaction. It also aligns with secure attachment styles, fostering trust and stability between partners.
This love style often includes mutual support, commitment, and healthy strategies for resolving conflicts, all of which nurture a long-term connection.
However, as with any intense emotion, balance is essential. When unchecked, Eros can lead to obsessive thoughts about a partner, fostering jealousy or unhealthy dependency.
Over time, the intensity of Eros may naturally mellow. But this doesn’t mean the spark has to fade passion can evolve into a more sustainable form of love. By balancing passion with respect, communication, and shared goals, Eros can continue to fuel a strong, enduring relationship.
2. Agape Love Style
Agape, or selfless love, is all about caring deeply for your partner’s well-being without expecting anything in return. This style focuses on giving, nurturing, and genuinely supporting the other person.
Unlike passionate love, Agape emphasizes building a stable, supportive, and respectful bond. This type of love often helps relationships thrive over the long term. Couples who embody Agape tend to be highly devoted, valuing loyalty and a strong sense of responsibility toward each other.
A study published in the 'Journal of Social and Personal Relationships' found that when partners are perceived as caring, attentive, and validating, the overall quality of the relationship improves significantly.
Agape love is also associated with healthy conflict resolution. Couples who adopt this style often avoid negative behaviors like criticism or defensiveness, instead favoring compromise and teamwork to tackle challenges.
This approach is especially helpful during tough times, like when one partner is stressed or dealing with personal challenges. The selfless nature of Agape helps both partners handle difficulties as a team.
However, it’s important to balance generosity with mutual support. When paired with equal commitment from both partners, Agape becomes a driving force for lasting love.
3. Storge Love Style
Storge, or friendship-based love, emphasizes emotional closeness and deep affection. Unlike the fiery intensity of Eros, Storge is about forming a steady and comforting bond that grows over time through shared experiences and mutual understanding.
This type of love is often seen in long-term relationships as it builds trust and creates stability. Couples who build their relationship on friendship are often less prone to impulsive or destructive behaviors.
The unique aspect of Storge is its focus on enduring companionship. As the spark of romantic love fades, the steady bond of friendship keeps the relationship strong and stable.
Storge allows partners to feel deeply loved and appreciated for who they are. This enduring connection often serves as the foundation for a resilient and fulfilling partnership.
4. Pragma Love Style
Pragma, or practical love, focuses on compatibility and shared goals. People with this love style choose partners based on mutual values, long-term potential, and alignment with personal needs—whether emotional, financial, or lifestyle-related.
Although pragma might not feel romantic at first, it builds a steady and reliable base for a lasting relationship. By prioritizing practicality and compatibility, couples can build a life together that feels secure and balanced.
It’s important, however, not to let practicality overshadow emotional connection. A well-rounded relationship combines rational decision-making with the emotional closeness needed for intimacy.
Research suggests that Pragma is associated with stable and satisfying relationships. Couples with this love style often feel confident in their partnership, knowing they made a thoughtful and intentional choice.
Love Styles to Watch Out For
While the above styles strengthen relationships, some love styles can have the opposite effect. For example:
Ludus: A playful, game-like love style that can lead to lack of commitment and trust.
Mania: An obsessive love style that often results in instability and unhealthy behaviors.
Building a Strong Relationship with Love Styles
Love styles like romantic, unconditional, familial, and practical each add unique value to a relationship.Together, they form a well-rounded foundation for a lasting relationship:
- Eros ignites passion.
- Agape fosters care and selflessness.
- Storge builds a foundation of friendship.
- Pragma ensures compatibility.
While couples may naturally lean toward one or two styles, embracing elements from all four can lead to a richer and more balanced connection.
Reflect on your own love style and how it aligns with your partner’s. By finding a healthy balance and incorporating the best aspects of each style, you can create a relationship that stands the test of time.