Hi Friend,
Happy love season! It’s February 1 and by now, you’ve seen chocolates, Valentine’s Day cards and teddy bears lined up in your local stores. Jewelry commercials and ads blowing up your tv. Once the season hits, it’s all about on one type of love – romantic love. But, did you know there are many types of love?
PsychologyToday names Eros (erotic/romantic love) as one of the 7 Types of love drawn from classical readings as well as J. A. Lee’s book Colors of Love (1973). But, romantic love isn’t the only one. Read on for a round-up of the loves we share everyday.
Love for our family (Storge) is the one we learn first because it is based on the family. It is all about the parent-child relationship. IE – you’ll probably be getting chocolates (and toys) for your kids AND your parents.
<—- These two will be getting chocolates from me.
Philia is love for our friends. This may mean you going out for drinks and gifting your friends box of Ferrer Rocher chocolates to show her much you care. Pets are included in this one because hey, pets ARE our best friends (make sure to get a sweet for your sweet pup or cat). It is the kind of love we need when we stress over our romantic or family relationships.
Agape (pronounced Ah-gah-pay) love is love for others who are strangers or acquaintances. It could be as simple as holding the door for someone on the train or donating to a charity or volunteering your time. It also includes our love for nature or God (higher power). When you share kindness with the world, you’re sharing Agape love. It is a love based on doing something for others without the expectation of anything in return. It just feels good. Show your agape love today!
These different forms of love are part of our everyday lives. But, the one we don’t talk about… the one that seems to be a mystery to alot of people is Self-love. Psychology Today calls this one Philautia, which is defined as self-love in relation to our self-esteem (how we feel about ourselves).
A Google search defines self-love as “regard for one’s own well-being and happiness” (but not in a self-centered way). Self-love is so very important because it colors everything we say or do. It shows in how we care for ourselves or don’t. But, it isn’t something that’s taught. For me, self-love came after I started doing therapy. I realized that in order for me to be happy with myself, I needed to love on myself. Therapy was my self-care.
Self-care is the new buzzword these days, but I believe that the best way to express self-love is by practicing good self-care. My definition of self-care is “anything that we do to increase energy, uplift our spirit and improve our mood.” When you practice good self-care, you’re loving on yourself physically, spiritually and emotionally.
To help you love on yourself better, I’ve declared February Self-Love Month. I will be posting a self-care tip every single day on Instagram. The Self-Love Challenge is a month long event to help you practice good self-care. Each daily tip is a quick 5 minute activity to challenge you to love yourself better. Because you deserve it. Be sure to tag me on your posts.
Here’s the thing, you are a beautiful, wonderful gift that needs to be appreciated more. It’s okay to love yourself. And who better than you to love you? Take on the self-love challenge, get your self-care on and love yourself better today. (Don’t forget the chocolate!)
Happy Self-Love Month,
Heiddi
Heiddi Zalamar 