The ancient Greeks famously came up with a variety of words for love, including eros—romantic love, philia—loyalty and friendship, and agape—unconditional love. Valentine’s Day tends to center on eros, or a sappier kind of greeting card love the Greeks never imagined.
This Valentine’s Day, what kind of love do you celebrate? What word might you invent to describe this kind of love?
I’m not really fond of Valentine’s Day. The way it’s celebrated now seems plastic. When I had no one to share it with, I came up with a way to make it my own. I took a trip to Seneca Falls to celebrate women I admired, both at the National Women’s Rights Park and the Women’s Hall of Fame. I also try to incorporate some of the life of the actual St. Valentine into my celebration. Now that I am married, I try to celebrate the life we now live together. What word would I use? “Shared journey” possibly?
Great ideas, Eric!
I celebrate 20 years with my wonderful wife Donna. It hasn’t always been easy given the hostility to relationships like ours, but everyday, we are supported by a growing group of allies that support our marriage with their love.
I’m celebrating 20 years of marriage to my husband Keith. I’m not sure what kind of word describes our love. It’s a blend of eros, philia, and agape. How about just married love?
I’m working for the day ALL people can have their married love acknowledged and accepted. It’s ridiculous to attack any kind of true love. Love is love, and as the Beatles said, “All you need is love.” (You need a few other things, too, like food and shelter, but love is also a necessity).