The Five Love Languages
Everyone expresses and experiences love differently. Just as we have different personality types, we also have different “love languages”—the ways in which we express and interpret love. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the book The 5 Love Languages, there are five different love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.
1) Words of Affirmation: People who have this love language feel loved when they hear kind and positive words from their partner. Compliments, “I love you’s,” and affirming words go a long way for people with this love language.
2) Quality Time: This love language is all about giving your undivided attention to your partner. People who value quality time want their partner to put away their phone, turn off the TV, and really be present with them. Quality time can be spent talking, going on dates, or even just taking a walk together.
3) Receiving Gifts: For people with this love language, it’s the thought that counts—not the price tag. These people feel loved when their partner takes the time to pick out a gift that is meaningful to them, even if it’s just a small trinket. A gift can be given for no reason at all—just to show that you were thinking of your partner.
4) Acts of Service: Actions speak louder than words for people with this love language. They feel loved when their partner goes out of their way to do something nice for them—whether it’s making them breakfast in bed, filling up their gas tank, or doing the grocery shopping. It’s important to note that acts of service must be done willingly and without expecting anything in return.
5) Physical Touch: This love language is pretty self-explanatory—people who value physical touch feel loved when they receive hugs, kisses, cuddles, massages, etc. from their partner. Physical touch can also be a way of showing affection without sexual intent (e.g., holding hands while watching a movie).
Do you know what your love language is? If not, take the quiz here to find out! Once you know your own love language, you can start speaking the love language of your partner and finally start feeling loved and appreciated in your relationship.