Extended Essay

What is this thing called love?

            Many claim that love is a wonderful thing. Although this statement leaves no room for argument, it does not exactly explain what love is. Let us decipher the origin of the word itself. It is derived from the old English word “lufu” which means “dear” and is also closely related to the words “lubere” or “libere” which in Latin means “to please”. Following its origin, Webster’s dictionary defines it as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. Often times it can also be a warm feeling of attachment to another being usually felt by a parent, child or a friend. In a more erotic point-of-view love can be in the form of sexual passion or desire for another man or woman. Love comes in different forms and each one is essential in its own way.

            Let us begin with probably the most common form of love which is felt by every human being – Agape. This form of love brings forth the act of caring for another individual unconditionally, regardless of the circumstance. In Christianity, God’s unquestionable love for His children is one example of Agape. Another example can be seen around us every day of our lives and is also present in our own life. This is the love of a mother to her child. As they say, a mother’s love is unlike any other because she is the one who understands and knows her child the most.

            Another form of love is Eros which means romance or a romantic relationship with another person. It is commonly known as love in the sense of “being in love” or “falling in love” with someone. Many of us have been given the chance to meet a special someone who makes a big impact in our life. We get to know our significant other, we accept their flaws and weaknesses, and we see past all their imperfections before we can really claim them to be our life partner. Being in a relationship has its pros and cons and many fail before they are blessed with the right person but all this is a part of life. However, some of us mistake lust to be Eros. Many assume that the act of intercourse is the basis of romantic love but in truth, Eros is about being attached to another person without having to have any kind of sexual relationship with them.

            The last form of love is Philia which in Greek means friendship and is felt between friends. A strong existing bond between people that share the same hobbies and interests is the basis of friendship. We all come across a person sometime in our life who we just click with right away. It may be because of common experiences, having the same likes and dislikes or simple being able to share deep conversations with each other. A true friend does not judge, can always be counted on, will tell us our wrongdoings and all in all be the support system that we need in our life. A few people in modern society truly appreciate the value of friendship because many have not experienced it or have been deceived to believe that someone is a true friend.

            Whether it may be the love shared between a mother and a child, best friends or two lovers, love is present everywhere we go and wherever we look. It comes in different forms but they all boil down to caring for another person. Love is a healthy feeling because it teaches us how to be selfless and how to put others before ourselves. It is essential because it strengthens humanity and it creates a solid foundation in every person’s life. As Helen Keller once said, “the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor heard, but must be felt with the heart.”