The Seven Types of Love
A Guide to Recognizing, Cultivating, and Living with Love
"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." — David Viscott
At Paving the Way, our mission is to create a positive media outlet that helps individuals lead longer, more positive, and fulfilling lives. To do this, I believe we need to spread the knowledge, vocabulary, and science of flourishing to provide you with the best, empirically-based information available. This is your guide to understanding personal and social connections to Love.
"Love is a deep emotional connection that brings people together. It can be experienced in many ways—through kindness, trust, passion, or support—and plays a vital role in human flourishing."
Valentine’s Day may have passed, but love is something that extends far beyond a single day of celebration. While February 14th is often associated with romantic love, the reality is that love is a constant force in our lives—it shows up in our friendships, our families, our communities, and even in how we treat ourselves.
So, let’s explore the seven types of love, understand why each one matters, and learn how to cultivate them in our daily lives.
The Seven Types of Love
Love for Yourself (Self-Love)
"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." — Buddha
Loving yourself is about self-respect, self-compassion, and valuing your own well-being. It’s not selfish—it’s the foundation for all other forms of love. When we take care of ourselves—mentally, emotionally, and physically—we build the resilience needed to give love to others. Research shows that self-compassion reduces anxiety, boosts confidence, and improves overall life satisfaction.
How to Cultivate It
Practice self-kindness—treat yourself with the same understanding you offer a close friend.
Set healthy boundaries—prioritize what truly matters and protect your energy.
Reflection: Are you as kind to yourself as you are to others?
Love That Puts Others First (Selfless-Love)
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." — Mahatma Gandhi
This is the love that gives without expecting anything in return—helping a stranger, supporting a cause, or simply being there for someone in need. Acts of kindness increase happiness, reduce stress, and foster deeper human connections. Studies show that giving to others triggers the brain’s reward system, boosting well-being.
How to Cultivate It
Look for small ways to help—a kind word, a small favor, or just listening.
Engage in service—volunteer or support a cause that matters to you.
Reflection: When was the last time you gave love freely, without expecting anything in return?
Love for Family (Familial Love)
"Other things may change, but we start and end with family." — Anthony Brandt
Family love is often the first love we experience—whether from parents, siblings, children, or chosen family. Research shows that strong family bonds provide emotional security, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. They shape how we trust and connect with others throughout life.
How to Cultivate It
Create traditions—shared experiences, like meals or phone calls, strengthen family bonds.
Express gratitude—tell your family members how much they mean to you.
Reflection: How do you nurture love within your family?
Love in Friendships (Friendship Love)
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." — Elbert Hubbard
True friendship is built on trust, loyalty, and shared experiences. It’s a love that asks for nothing but presence and care. Friendships reduce loneliness, improve mental health, and even help us live longer. Studies show that people with strong friendships report higher levels of happiness and well-being.
How to Cultivate It
Show up—consistently support your friends in both good times and bad.
Be intentional—small gestures, like checking in, can make a big difference.
Reflection: Which friendships bring you the most joy and support?
Love That Lasts (Enduring Love)
"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences." — Dave Meurer
This is the love that grows over time—built on commitment, understanding, and shared life goals. It’s the love of long-term partners who choose each other every day. Long-term love provides stability, emotional security, and a sense of partnership. Research shows that strong, enduring relationships contribute to lower stress and increased life satisfaction.
How to Cultivate It
Regular check-ins—open conversations help maintain a strong bond.
Celebrate small moments—love is in the little things, like a kind word or a shared laugh.
Reflection: How do you nurture and sustain love over time?
Love That Brings Joy (Playful Love)
"We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." — George Bernard Shaw
This is the playful, lighthearted love that keeps relationships fresh and fun. It’s the inside jokes, teasing, and laughter that strengthen bonds. Playfulness in relationships reduces stress, boosts connection, and keeps love alive. Couples and friends who laugh together tend to have stronger, happier relationships.
How to Cultivate It
Make time for fun—do something lighthearted, whether it’s a game night or a spontaneous adventure.
Keep laughter alive—don’t take everything so seriously; joy strengthens connection.
Reflection: When was the last time you brought playfulness into your relationships?
Love That Excites (Romantic Love)
"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." — Aristotle
This is the intense, passionate love that sparks attraction and emotional depth in romantic relationships. Passionate love fuels connection, intimacy, and emotional fulfillment. While it often fades over time, it can deepen into something lasting.
How to Cultivate It
Express appreciation—compliment, admire, and make your partner feel valued.
Prioritize quality time—keep the connection alive by being fully present with each other.
Reflection: How do you actively nurture passion in your romantic relationships?
Love is the Foundation of Paving the Way
I created this newsletter because I love people—whether or not I know them. I believe people are worth investing in, and I hope that through this platform, I can help improve the quality of their lives.
Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action, a choice, and a way of living. Whether it’s self-love, friendship, romance, or service, love connects us all in ways that are real, enduring, and deeply human.
Love is everywhere. Love endures. And love is always worth investing in.
Your Turn to Reflect
Take a moment to think about how love exists in your life:
💛 Which type of love do you feel strongest in right now?
💙 Which type of love do you want to cultivate more?
💜 How do you express love to yourself and others?
Drop a comment below and share your reflections—I’d love to hear from you!
🌍 If this resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need a little more love in their life.
💌 Subscribe to Paving the Way for more insights on flourishing, connection, and well-being.
Great article!