The 8 Distinct Forms of Love According to the Ancient Greeks (2 of 5)

2. Philia — Deep Friendship

Philia is affectionate. Phillia is loyal. But most importantly, Philia is platonic. It’s the kind of love you feel towards your best friends. You trust each other, share the same values, and are there for one another through thick and thin. For these reasons, the ancient Greeks regarded Philia as one of the deepest forms of love. You feel a sense of belonging, whether it’s the close buddies you go to the bars with every weekend or the guys you served in the military with. These friends often last for a lifetime, especially since Philia is the kind of love that tends to grow stronger over time.

3. Storge — Family Love

You know that natural, instinctual love found among family members—your parents and grandparents, children, siblings, and other close kin? The Greeks called that Storge. This is a form of unconditional love that isn’t formed by choice but rather due to familiarity and dependence. In other words, you don’t get to pick your parents, but you love them because they were the ones who made you feel safe and secure while growing up. Blood relationships grow organically over time as a result of shared experiences. For instance, you go on vacations and celebrate holidays together. But most of all, they are there for all of your life milestones.