Relationship Glue
by: Jon Henshaw
We use love to describe a diverse range of feelings and pleasures; "I love my car," "We made love," "I love you." Greek and Latin terminology divides love into several different words that describe each type of love:
- Eros: Sexual Love
- Ludis: Flirtatious Love
- Philo: Brotherly Love
- Storge: Friendship Love
- Pragma: Logical Love
- Mania: Smothering Love
- Agape: Divine Love
Although several types of love play an important role in marriage, it's Agape love that acts as "relationship glue". Agape love is often described as, "Self-sacrificing love. Altruistic love that is experienced by people willing to do things for another person with no expectations."
In marriage, Agape love is a commitment to love your spouse, even when you don't feel like it.
Agape Love helps keep marriages together by:
- Not giving up on each other during difficult moments
- Maintaining fidelity when you're attracted to another person
- Compromising, and not always getting your way
- Showing respect; not belittling, berating or ignoring your spouse
- Being attentive to your spouse's needs and feelings
One key to establishing and maintaining Agape love in your relationship is mutual giving. If both partners choose to offer self-sacrificing love, both will receive it.
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About The Author
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