Human relationships are complex and come in many forms. We have feelings for others which differ depending on the unique circumstances. However, in the English language there is only one word to describe this: love. The Greeks had about 30 words for love, a different word for each kind of love, the main ones being agape – love of humanity; storge – family love; pragma – love which endures; philautia – the love we give ourselves, self-respect; philia – shared experience; ludus -playful affection; and eros – romantic and erotic love.
This Saturday 17th Feb 8-9 PM on It’s A Question Of Balance, Ruth Copland features her on-the-street interviews on the topic ‘Do We Need More Than One Word For Love?’
In our society, by making love such an elevated grand concept that has to meet so many criteria to actually be called love, are we denying the expression or validation of the other kinds of love we feel? Would we love and connect more if we had more kinds of love on the table to choose from and feel comfortable expressing? Could we then talk about love in the context of politics or business, for example, without a cynical response? Would it help us form healthier and happier relationships in all areas of our life? What does it say about us and our culture that we have so many different words say for rain in the UK – or for different kinds of coffee – but only one word for love? Finally, Aristotle believed the basis of all love was that we first love ourselves. How important is self-love?
What do you think? Ruth Copland gets the views of people on the street for our Out and About feature. Join us on Saturday 8-9 PM! For more info on the show and to hear past shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com
