Love languages come primarily in five different forms, reflecting the way someone chooses to express their love or how they wish to receive love from another, usually a romantic partner. Expression is used to define who we are as people and it is what makes individuals unique. Love languages provide a way to understand how someone chooses to receive their love–making it easier on their partner and loved ones to understand how to properly care for them. The five main love languages are words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, physical touch, and receiving gifts.
Words of affirmation is a form that encourages, supports and lifts your partner up through the use of positive words and phrases. Some ways to utilize this love language is through compliments and communicating when you are appreciating your loved one. From sending a love letter to a quick text, this love language allows one to feel empowered by the use of words.
Quality time is a love language that is just spending time with your loved one, which typically is overlooked as something that is already done. However for some, time spent together is the way they know they are loved and feel that love.
When someone’s love language is acts of service, actions speaking louder than words can be attributed to them. Service doesn’t have to be something extravagant, it can be as small as cooking a meal or running errands for them. Any thoughtful attempt of a gesture is extremely appreciated, even if it may seem meaningless to someone with another love language.
Physical touch is exactly as it sounds— a small gesture of touch can mean ten times more than a gift or compliment to any individual. Similar to acts of service and the ideal of actions speaking louder than words, physical touch can be shown in various forms. From a simple touch on the hand to a hug or a kiss from your loved one can go a long way.
Receiving gifts is one form of love that may seem unappealing and costly, however, it doesn’t have to be. Even on days that aren’t special occasions, a simple handwritten note or some flowers are a great way to show this person your love. Similarly to the idea that these gifts don’t have to be expensive, homemade gifts are an easy, at-home way to express this love language.
Love languages are ways you can show your love or receive it—either way, sharing your chosen love language with a partner can strengthen and maintain your relationship,whether romantic or platonic. If you don’t know your love language yet, that’s okay! Many websites have developed quizzes that deduct what yours is. However, you can also figure it out for yourself through testing all the different ways and remembering how you feel each time you receive a certain love language. In the end,all love languages are equally valuable to understand and using this knowledge will benefit relationships in the long run.
