LOVE IN THE CLINICAL SETTING

Love is a defining characteristic of human life. Its varied guises and manifestations determine who we are for ourselves and for each other In this paper the author defines and discusses the four ''loves'' that we own - libido, eros, philios and agape. He considers their interrel ationships and the ways in which they inform us as persons and as prof essionals who care for others. Growth to a mature person responsible t o self and to others in the demanding work of health care in the clini cal setting requires understanding of the needs we all have for giving and receiving love in all its dimensions.