I see love as a universal language that everyone speaks regardless of differences in race, colour, beliefs and in our mother tongue- love is a language we all understand. From our newly born days to a ripe old age, we all want love; it is our basic emotional and survival need. Most religions and faiths also agree on this universal language that points to a ‘higher’ way of living.

Love is often described as feelings, both positive and also negative. People who have been hurt will describe love as ‘painful’ and those who have experienced rejection may say its ‘hard to attain’. Love can bring on such strong emotions that on the ‘dark’ side it could lead to discord, emotional pain, physical pain, manipulation and even death.

On the bright side, it brings joy, life, fresh perspective, passion, hope, contentment, security and even miracles and those who fall in love, feel like nothing else matters, they are ‘floating’.

Love is displayed in our body language, our eyes, in our serving/conduct, in our giving and in our moral integrity.

Gary Chapman author of ‘The Five Love Languages’ believes there are 5 different ways to show love to our partners; 1) words of affirmation 2) quality time 3) receiving gifts 4) acts of service and 5) physical touch. Chapman says once we find our primary love language – how we like to be loved by our partner – and find out what our partner’s primary love language is, we are more likely to enjoy a lasting and loving relationship where both are fulfilled.

There are four love types according to author CS Lewis: Storge – affection is a brotherly love, between family members or people who have crossed paths. It is described as the most natural, emotive, as it is present without coercion.

Philia – friendship is the love between friends and is the strong bond between people who share common interest or activity. Lewis describes friendship as, “the least biological, it is organic, instinctive, and gregarious, it is freely chosen.” Nevertheless do not be blind to the dangers of its potential for ‘cliqueyness’ and pride.

Eros – romance is ‘being in love’ or an 'intimate love' with someone and is also a sexual passion. In fact the word ‘Erotic’ derives from the word Eros Agape –also “Charity” is an unconditional love, it brings forth caring regardless of the circumstance. Recognised as the greatest of all loves, and is as a virtue. Agape love is the love between man and God. Agape is described as the highest level of love known to humanity – a selfless love, a love that was passionately committed to the well-being of the other.

If we had more love in our marriages, homes, in the communities, in our work and in how we conducted business would there be a difference? As an optimist and romantic I’d like to think so.

Article by Neelam Challoner. Neelam helps private clients re-design their life, career and thinking. For more information please visit www.designerlife.co.uk or email different@designerlife.co.uk Resources; The 5 love languages by Gary Chapman and The Four Loves.