Love Styles

Love styles are patterns of how people experience and express romantic love. The classic model describes six styles: Eros, Ludus, Storge, Pragma, Mania, and Agape.

Definition

Love styles (also called love attitudes) come from Lee’s colors-of-love theory and were operationalized in the Love Attitudes Scale. Rather than one “correct” way to love, the model describes several orientations — passionate (Eros), game-playing (Ludus), friendship-based (Storge), practical (Pragma), possessive/intense (Mania), and selfless (Agape). People usually show a mix of styles. The Love Attitudes Scale Short Form (LAS) measures all six for self-reflection; it is not a diagnosis.

What it can feel like

Preferring intense chemistry and “the one” (Eros).
Keeping romance light, playful, or non-exclusive (Ludus).
Building love from friendship and companionship (Storge).
Choosing a partner based on shared goals and practical fit (Pragma).

Related screening tests on LuriaLab

Experiences in Close Relationships – Short Form (ECR-S)
Love Attitudes Scale (Short Form) (LAS)

Related glossary terms

Frequently asked questions

Are love styles the same as attachment styles?

No. Attachment focuses on anxiety and avoidance in close bonds. Love styles describe attitudes toward romance (passion, friendship, pragmatism, and so on). Both can be useful together.

Can my love style change?

Yes. Styles can shift with age, culture, relationship experience, and personal growth. A screen captures a snapshot, not a lifelong label.

Which love style is healthiest?

There is no single healthiest style. Extremes of game-playing or possessive intensity can create problems; balance and mutual respect matter more than any one label.

Sources

Lee JA. The colors of love
Hendrick C, Hendrick SS, Dicke A. The Love Attitudes Scale Short Form (1998)