February is the month to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with romance and love. We share gifts, cards and flowers with our loved ones and remind them of how special they are to us and how beautiful it is to have them in our lives. In the realm of human emotions, love stands as a complex and multifaceted experience, embodying a spectrum of relationships that enrich our lives. Recognizing and understanding the different types of love can significantly enhance our connections with others, making every moment as heartfelt as Valentine’s Day. This exploration delves into the four distinct kinds of love, each with its unique characteristics and impact on our lives.
Awareness is the first step to expanding the possibilities in expressing your love for others. Many years ago I trained with Tony Robbins, a life strategist, and learned about his perspective on 4 types of love. I share them with you here to expand your awareness of what is possible. Please note that though I use the work ‘partner’, these love relationships apply to all relationships such as with your parents, your children, your family, and your friends.
Conditional love is based on the fulfillment of certain conditions or expectations. It reflects a transactional nature, where affection is given in anticipation of receiving something in return. Understanding its dynamics is crucial for maintaining balanced and fulfilling relationships.
1. BABY LOVE: Your first thought may be to assume that a baby’s love is unconditional. In fact, quite the opposite is true. A baby is the center of its own Universe and everything revolves around them. As long as their needs are being met, they are happy and show you their appreciation. It is actually a matter of survival for them to have their needs met. If their needs are not met, you will know it very quickly.
2. HORSETRADING: Horse trading is the kind of love where you give love with the expectation of getting something in return. This is what I call ‘tit-for-tat’. As long as your partner does what you expect, you will be happy. If not, you may withhold love. This is a conditional love that requires an equal exchange. And when one partner gives more than the other, they may feel drained and depleted. This kind of relationship can put undue stress on both partners.
Unconditional love, often seen as the purest form of love, is characterized by an unwavering affection and care for another, irrespective of their actions or changes in circumstance. This form of love is foundational, providing a secure base from which all relationships can grow.
3. REAL LOVE: Real love is when you give love because that is who you are. Love is what you do. This is a love that is unconditional and lasting. Regardless of how your partner is acting, regardless of what they are doing, regardless of what they didn’t do…you just love them. This often requires that you love yourself first which allows you to have the confidence to love others unconditionally. This is a beautiful state to live in. For some it comes naturally, and for others it is a lifetime Journey. Nonetheless, the Journey is a worthwhile one to take.
This type of love manifests when giving love is an intrinsic part of your being, a reflection of your essence. It’s a love that flows freely and without conditions, enduring through every circumstance. Such love transcends the actions or inactions of your partner; it’s about loving them purely and wholly. Cultivating this kind of love often starts with self-love, providing the foundation and confidence to extend unconditional love to others. Living in a state of genuine love is profoundly rewarding. While for some, this comes effortlessly, for others, it is an enriching journey of a lifetime. Regardless of the path, pursuing this journey is immensely fulfilling.
4. SPIRITUAL LOVE: Spiritual love is when you love the other person even when they try to hurt you. Spiritual love transcends the physical realm. This is the kind of love expressed by spiritual masters. This is the kind of love that creates miracles in our lives. It’s a form of love that surpasses the tangible aspects of existence, embodying the depth of connection championed by spiritual leaders.
To nurture love in any relationship, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate its various forms. Encouraging open communication, expressing gratitude, and showing empathy are key practices that foster a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Love, in its many forms, holds the transformative power to enrich our lives, offering a pathway to deeper understanding, compassion, and connection. By embracing the diversity of love’s expressions, we open ourselves to the full spectrum of human experience, making every day an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of love.
I invite you to consider being aware of which kind of love you use in your relationships. And if it resonates with you, you may explore expanding the way you express your love for others.
It is the Journey, not the destination and love is all there is, so make every day a Valentine’s Day!
Michele Guy Syne, through her innovative approach at UniQuely Northern, leverages the profound impact of love. By integrating the power of the subconscious mind, Michele facilitates transformative experiences, guiding individuals towards living a life filled with love and fulfillment. For those seeking to explore the depths of love and its healing potential, Michele offers a beacon of hope and empowerment.
Discover more about Michele’s work and embark on your journey towards embracing love in all its forms. Michele does private sessions in person, and via Zoom from her office in Carefree, and facilitates group healings monthly. Website: uniquelynorthern.com. Tel: 480-652-6698.
Michele Guy Syne, P.E., P.Eng., C.Ht., owner of UniQuely Northern, uses the power of the subconscious mind with her proprietary Hybrid Hypnosis ™ to quickly, and gently release stress, anxiety, painful memories, and emotional trauma to free you up to live your life powerfully and live a life you Love. Michele does sessions in person and via Zoom from her office in Carefree AZ.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 480-652-6698