We want to show our partner that we care, but many of us don’t know how to do it properly. If you’re in the same situation, you should learn about the love languages. Learning how your loved ones receive love will allow you to know the best way to show your affection.
According to Dr. Gary Chapman, an American radio talk show host, and author, there are five love languages. These include physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, and quality time. Here’s what you need to know about each language.
- Physical Touch
Touch and physical intimacy can be extremely affirming for people who have this love language. They feel loved when someone shows them signs of physical affection such as kissing, sex, or holding hands. This kind of affection stems from their childhood. Some people felt deep love and affection when they were kissed, touched, or held by their parents.
- Words of Affirmation
Some people express or receive love through spoken words, appreciation, or praise. Spoken and written shows of affection are extremely important for people with this kind of love language. They enjoy encouragement, kind words, love notes, sweet text messages, and inspiring quotes because these expressions make them feel appreciated and understood.
- Acts of Service
People with this kind of love language feel loved when their partners do something for them. It can be things like making a cup of coffee for them in the morning or helping with the dishes. For people whose love language is acts of service, actions are important than words. They prefer to be shown how they are loved and appreciated.
- Receiving Gifts
For people with this kind of love language, receiving gifts is a sign of affection and love from their partner. They treasure the gift as well as the effort and time spent on it by the gift giver. People with this love language value and recognize the gift-giving process. They don’t expect expensive or large gifts. What’s most important for them is the symbolic thought behind the gift.
- Quality Time
Some people feel adored and appreciated when their loved one spends time with them. This means actively listening and making eye contact with them. People with this kind of love language prefer to have meaningful conversations, share recreational activities or simply spend time with their partner without the distraction of phone screens or television.
The Role of Love Languages in Relationships
We feel and express love differently. So by understanding and appreciating those differences, we can improve our relationships. Learning the five love languages can create empathy, promote selflessness, maintain intimacy and help with personal growth.
As couples learn more about their love language, they learn to accept and empathize with others who are different from them. This helps improve their emotional intelligence and ability to express their feelings in a language that their loved ones will understand.
They also learn to connect in more meaningful and deeper ways. This will create and maintain intimacy in the relationship. The love languages also require people to appreciate and love others in a way that is outside their comfort zone, forcing them to change and grow into a better person.