Five Greek Words for Love (p. 114-115)

Intimacy: The close bond that exists between human beings, whether as friends or associates. The bond is intimate because it touches our innermost being. Intimacy connects us with each other and our common humanity through our social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical dimensions.

Love involves varying degrees of intimacy appropriate for various types of relationships.  The Greeks used different words to characterize several types of important relationships experienced in our lives.

HETAIREIA

This is a love based upon companionship and a sharing of common issues but without emotional closeness.

EROS
This is love in a sexual sense. It is a passionate, romantic love, pleasurable, spontaneous, even instinctive.

STORGE
This is family love: the love children have for their parents and parents for their children.

PHILIA
This is the love of friendship: the warm and tender affection felt between two friends.

AGAPE
This is the love of charity. It is a love that involves sacrifice. This is the love that Jesus referred to when he said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” This is the highest form of love. It can even be given to enemies.