Author: joannavanessa

[Disclaimer! This isn’t ‘sexy’, it’s not arousing, it’s about what eroticism means. To me and my girlfriend. Yes, I’m bi. I hope that the below, written for my partner, is something that reaches peoples hearts. xxx]

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Love is a devalued word, a commodity, bandied around with a gay abandon. “I love you,” at the end of a phone call. “Love you” on teddy bear paws. It’s all around, ubiquitous and cloying.

The Greeks, in antiquity, were able to describe the mixed connotations of love with far more clarity, and these words have found their meandering way into our current tongue.

Erotic is love, specifically sexual.

Filial is love, specifically between equals; often families.

Agape is love, specifically between God and us.

When we consider love, between partners, we are discussing a confluence of eroticism and filial affection. The tender interplay and flow of these two flavours of love is what, to my mind, gives life to a relationship and defines our partnerships.

I love my girlfriend with the equality of a sister; I want to protect and nurture her, to help her and shield her from harm. Read more »