The Five Love Languages
Valentine’s Day is approaching and it is important to be aware that the way you show appreciation may not be the same way your partner wants to be appreciated. For example, you may give your partner a present, as a way to express love/gratitude, but your partner may appreciate simply spending time together so much more!
Being aware of your love language AND your partner’s love language can help with communication since you know how to approach them with their preferred language and you effectively express your feelings to them. Not knowing somebody’s love language may lead you to inadvertently make the person feel unappreciated due to the lack of affection they prefer. Again, not everyone communicates and receives love/gratitude the same way! It’s important to love people in the ways that THEY want to be loved. Lastly, love languages can be applied to anyone, not just for someone you are in a romantic relationship. You can apply it to friendships as well!
The concept of love languages was developed by Dr. Gary Chapman. He stated that the the five love languages are:
Acts of Service: Showing up for someone else by lightening their load. Actions speak louder than words sometimes.
Physical Touch: Using appropriate touch to show someone love
Quality Time: Spending time with someone while providing your undivided attention. This can be more than just being in the same place at the same time.
Gift Giving: Providing someone with gifts that the person would like and/or that remind you of the person
Words of Affirmation: Using kind and thoughtful words to affirm someone. This is more than just saying “You look beautiful” “I like your outfit” or “You are a good person.”
Below are some examples to help you better understand what each language looks like.
