The Six Archetypes of Love: A New Understanding of How We Love and What We Need to Find Lasting Happiness

In his groundbreaking book, The Six Archetypes of Love, Allan G. Hunter argues that there are six fundamental ways that we experience love. These archetypes are:

• Eros: Passionate and romantic love
• Storge: Affectionate and companionate love
• Philia: Friendly and brotherly love
• Agape: Unconditional and selfless love
• Ludus: Playful and flirtatious love
• Pragma: Practical and realistic love

Hunter draws on a wealth of research in psychology, anthropology, and history to show how these archetypes shape our relationships and our lives. He argues that by understanding our own love archetype and that of our partners, we can create more fulfilling and lasting relationships.

The Importance of Understanding Love Archetypes

Understanding our own love archetype is essential for creating healthy and fulfilling relationships. When we know what we need and what we expect from love, we can better communicate our needs to our partners and find partners who are compatible with us.

For example, if you are an Eros archetype, you may need a partner who is passionate and romantic. If you are a Storge archetype, you may need a partner who is affectionate and companionate. By understanding our own love archetype, we can avoid getting into relationships that are not right for us.

The Six Love Archetypes

The six love archetypes are:

• Eros: Passionate and romantic love. Eros is the love of desire and longing. It is the love that is often associated with young love and infatuation. Eros is characterized by intense emotions, physical attraction, and a desire for union.
• Storge: Affectionate and companionate love. Storge is the love of friendship and companionship. It is the love that we feel for our family and close friends. Storge is characterized by warmth, trust, and a sense of belonging.
• Philia: Friendly and brotherly love. Philia is the love of equality and respect. It is the love that we feel for our peers and colleagues. Philia is characterized by mutual respect, admiration, and a sense of camaraderie.
• Agape: Unconditional and selfless love. Agape is the love of God and humanity. It is the love that is given freely without expecting anything in return. Agape is characterized by compassion, forgiveness, and a sense of oneness with all of creation.
• Ludus: Playful and flirtatious love. Ludus is the love of fun and games. It is the love that we feel when we are flirting or having a casual relationship. Ludus is characterized by laughter, excitement, and a sense of adventure.
• Pragma: Practical and realistic love. Pragma is the love of reason and logic. It is the love that is based on compatibility and shared values. Pragma is characterized by stability, security, and a sense of practicality.

Finding Lasting Happiness in Love

By understanding our own love archetype and that of our partners, we can create more fulfilling and lasting relationships. When we know what we need and what we expect from love, we can better communicate our needs to our partners and find partners who are compatible with us.

The Six Archetypes of Love is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand love and create a more fulfilling relationship.