Love styles describe what romantic love means to you: an instant spark, a game, a deep friendship, a sensible partnership, an anxious obsession or a gift you give without counting. Sociologist John Alan Lee identified six styles in 1973, and decades of research have built on his work.
Not sure which style is yours? Take the free love style test to see your score on all six.
The Six Styles At A Glance
| Style | Greek or Latin meaning | Love is… | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eros | Greek god of desire | Intense attraction and intimacy | Eros love |
| Ludus | Latin for “game” | Fun, freedom and play | Ludus love |
| Storge | Greek for family affection | Friendship that deepens over time | Storge love |
| Pragma | Greek for “practical matter” | A well-matched partnership | Pragma love |
| Mania | Greek for “madness” | Highs, lows and a need for reassurance | Mania love |
| Agape | Greek for selfless love | Giving without expecting a return | Agape love |
The Colour Wheel Of Love
Lee compared love styles to colours. Three are primary, and the other three are secondary mixes of two primaries.
| Secondary style | Mix of | Why the mix works |
|---|---|---|
| Pragma | Storge and Ludus | The steady partnership of Storge plus the calculating side of Ludus |
| Mania | Eros and Ludus | The intensity of Eros plus the uncertainty and games of Ludus |
| Agape | Eros and Storge | The devotion of Eros plus the patient care of Storge |
Like colours, most people are a blend. Your top two styles usually say more than either one alone.
Love Style Compatibility Chart
Research by Clyde and Susan Hendrick found that partners with similar love styles tend to be happier together, and that Eros and Agape predict satisfaction while Ludus predicts less. The chart below is our editorial guide based on those patterns. It is a starting point for conversation, not a prediction.
| Eros | Ludus | Storge | Pragma | Mania | Agape | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eros | Strong | Hard | Good | Mixed | Mixed | Strong |
| Ludus | Hard | Mixed | Mixed | Good | Hard | Hard |
| Storge | Good | Mixed | Strong | Strong | Mixed | Strong |
| Pragma | Mixed | Good | Strong | Good | Hard | Good |
| Mania | Mixed | Hard | Mixed | Hard | Hard | Mixed |
| Agape | Strong | Hard | Strong | Good | Mixed | Good |
Each style guide has its own compatibility page explaining every pairing in detail.
What Each Style Guide Covers
For each of the six styles you will find:
- The main guide: meaning, origins, strengths, challenges and research.
- Signs: how to recognise the style in yourself or a partner.
- In relationships: how the style plays out from dating to long-term love.
- Compatibility: how it pairs with each of the other styles.
Love Styles Versus Other Relationship Models
| Model | Question it answers | Our test |
|---|---|---|
| Love styles | What does love mean to you? | Love style test |
| Love languages | How do you give and receive affection? | Love language test |
| Attachment styles | How secure do you feel in closeness? | Attachment style test |
The three fit together. For example, a high Mania score often goes with anxious attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the six love styles?
Canadian sociologist John Alan Lee, in his 1973 book The Colours of Love. Clyde and Susan Hendrick later developed a widely used research questionnaire based on his theory.
Can you have more than one love style?
Yes. Most people score highly on two or three styles, and the mix can change over time.
Which love styles are most compatible?
Similar styles tend to work well together. Eros with Agape and Storge with Pragma are among the strongest pairings.
For self-reflection and conversation. Not relationship counselling.