A Powerful Thing

BY: HELEN JADE SALVO

Aside from God, what do you think is the most powerful thing on Earth? Well, a lot of people
consider love as one of the most powerful things that exists. When do you know that it is love? Is it
when you don’t want to let go of someone? Or is it when you can’t live without that person? For me,
love is when the happiness of other people is more important than your own. It is a type of emotion
that that is not just ordinary. It is something that will stay permanently and something that you will
feel unexpectedly.

There are lots of different types of love namely, affectionate love, enduring love, familiar love,
romantic love, playful love, obsessive love, self-love, and selfless love. Affectionate love is a type of
love that runs deep in true friendship. It occurs when both individuals share the same values. Enduring
love is a type of love that is mature and develops over time. It is considered as an everlasting love
between a couple that chooses to put equal effort to their relationship. Another type of love is Familiar
love. This type of love flows between parents, children, and even childhood friends. It is an infinite
love build upon acceptance and deep emotional connection. The fourth type of love is Romantic love.
It comes from as a natural instinct for most people. This type of love is a passionate love displayed
through physical affection. Another type of love is Playful love. This is a child-like and flirtatious love
commonly found in the beginning stages of a relationship. This type of love consists of teasing and
laughter between two individuals. One of the most common one is the Obsessive love. This type of
love leads to unwanted jealousy and possessiveness. Next is the Self-love, a type of love where you
recognize your self-worth and don’t ignore your personal needs. Self-love begins with acknowledging
your responsibility for your well-being. Lastly, Selfless love. This is the highest level of love to offer.
It is given without any expectations of receiving something in return.

Aside from the types of love, there are also several ways to show and express your love for
someone. Love has five languages that not only our mouth will say, but also our actions. The first love
language is Quality time. This is where you spend time with someone to let them know that you’ll
always be there for him or her. It is giving another person your undivided attention. The second love
language is Act of Service. A type of love language where you put effort with your actions to express
your feelings towards someone. These are thoughtful acts that makes a person’s life easier. The most
common love language is Receiving Gifts. It is when a person receives gifts from someone special to
them. These are referred as tokens of love and thoughtfulness. The fourth love language is Physical
Touch. A way of showing affection to someone by physical contact such as kissing and hugging. The
last love language is Words of Affirmation. This love language involves complementing your lover,
saying “good night” and “I love you”.