Tag: philia

Shenanigator, moi?

internet changed my life

I hadn’t really thought about it till the discussion with Ryan, Tom and Ruth on Lovegrumps last Sunday night.

We were talking about the different types of love and I mentioned how much Philia I tend to have in my own life. Ryan mentioned shenanigans and how some people like myself enjoy the shenanigans over other life pleasures.

Shenanigator – A male instigator of shenanigans. See also Shenanigatrix.
The Shenanigatrix can be counted on to bring together numerous people who would never normally meet and to enhance their evening by instigationg all number of harmless but hilarious shenanigans.
Of course its a balance but I won’t lie its very fitting with my personality, especially if you read the typical ENTP.
The ENTP personality type is the ultimate devil’s advocate, thriving on the process of shredding arguments and beliefs and letting the ribbons drift in the wind for all to see. Unlike their more determined Judging (J) counterparts, ENTPs don’t do this because they are trying to achieve some deeper purpose or strategic goal, but for the simple reason that it’s fun.
Shenanigans is fun (at least for me and a number of people) and make the fabric of life, so much more fun and playful. The more you do it, the more fun it is to arrange or get involved in more. I could throw in some more thoughts including curiosity, discovery and serendipity into the same pot.
I can understand it must be draining for some, but I bearly give it a thought. Its only when things start to clash or I get cogative overload then I wonder, if I should give it a rest…for a day or so?
I am a shenanigator and always will be…
Expect it to pop up in profile descriptions soon…

6 Words to describe different types of Love

Macchiato love

I had always thought and stood by the idea that love is wider than the romantic love we are sold growing up in a western society. It wasn’t till I went to Laura Gordon‘s Dream Builders #4: Love Actually event, that I learned about the 6 words the greek use to describe love.

From what people at the event were saying,  it was bounded around on twitter on valentine day but I guess I was too busy at TedxManchester to see it.

So the 6 words are…

  • Eros, or sexual passion
  • Philia, or deep friendship
  • Ludus, or playful love
  • Agape, or love for everyone
  • Pragma, or long-standing love
  • Philautia, or love of the self

There was discussion about the need for all 6 in different ways and of course how we are sold the idea that love is Eros; especially in western society. I had never really heard the terms and it reflects on my own thoughts and what certain people say to me about my own love life.

People have commented that maybe the reason why I don’t need/can afford to be so picky, is because I  fill my time with the company of other friends. For some reason the percentage of female friends is higher than most men I know too. Don’t ask me why, but I have thoughts (for another blog post maybe)

This isn’t that blog post but in reflection on the 6 types of love, theres a whole lot of Philia and Agape in my life. This is also why I don’t necessarily feel like I’m missing something in my life.

Treasure those conversations with friends

I’m carving out something unique by spreading some love around by sharing my reality with friends and family, you only have to look at the amount of parties, BBQs, etc I do and have done. My hope is I’ll share it with someone who understands and loves the way I view the  world.