I like to link the development of a language to the traits of its people.

Greeks have 7 words for love, and I like to think it’s because they love thinking, and wisdom, and therefore they need extra words for all types of feelings they articulate.

I wonder what made the anglo-saxons have one word for love. It’s a germanic word with indo-european roots signifying deep and intense feelings and affection for another. This makes me think the ancient saxons would not have used it very lightly.