While many of us think we understand love languages well, our understanding may often be superficial. Primarily, love language is the way we all like to give and receive affection- both in a romantic and platonic relationship.
It was first introduced by Baptist minister Gary Chapman in his book “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate” in 1992. Since then, love languages have become a cultural phenomenon and have been updated or evolved many times.
It is necessary to understand the love language of your significant other and communicate your preferences to nurture a long-lasting relationship. Communicating clearly and setting clear expectations is the right way to cement your relationship.
What Are the 6 Love Languages?
The 6 love languages have their own unique characteristics. If you have a different love language than your partner, it may be difficult to tell what it is they want or how to show them, love.
1. How to Treat Someone Whose Love Language is Words of Affirmation
- Shower them with sincere compliments: They can tell if you’re just giving compliments to appease them – make sure they’re heartfelt and honest.
- Reassure them often: If someone with this love language isn’t being told that they’re doing a good job or that you feel love for them, they may start to doubt their worth or where they stand in the relationship.
- Communicate openly: Someone who has words of affirmation as their love language loves to have honest, transparent conversations.
Words of Affirmation
Words of affirmation are the love language that wants to hear words from someone that shows they are loved, cared for, admired, and appreciated. Partners with this hobby of complementing each other when they enjoy each other’s company help deepen their connection. They feel their best when they’re being told how someone views them and cares for them.
2. How to Treat Someone Whose Love Language is Physical Touch
- Hug them A lot.
- Show them affection through cuddling, holding hands, or running your hands through their hair.
- Don’t turn them away if they’re trying to get physically close to you. This love language will see this as a sign that you don’t feel as connected as they do; they will see this as rejection.
Physical Touch
Someone who has physical touch as their love language is the cuddliest, often friendliest, type of person. This love language is all about connecting through touch.
It doesn’t always have to be intimate. It can be as simple as cooking food together, dancing, or even holding hands while taking a walk on weekends, and it will melt their heart.
3. How to Treat Someone Whose Love Language is Quality Time
- Arrange activities for the 2 of you to do together that bring you closer to one another.
- Spend time with them where you both are asking deep, interesting questions. They love to explore the minds of their partner and share their own feelings as well.
Quality Time
Quality time is a love language where people value spending time with their partners. Don’t think that just spending time doing nothing or engaging in small talk is enough for them. No, people whose love language is quality time want you to be fully invested during the time. It not only leaves them happy and fulfilled but helps solve any possible conflicts and improve communication. It somewhat ensures that you two will develop a long-term partnership.
However, they also value and respect each other’s need for independence and individual growth. This unobtrusive balance fosters connection, understanding, and mutual support in relationships.
4. How to Treat Someone Whose Love Language is Receiving Gifts
- Surprise them with little trinkets or gifts throughout the month.
- Make something for them.
- Don’t forget to give them a gift for important holidays!
Receiving Gifts
If someone’s love language is receiving gifts, you should be sure to be okay with showering them with random presents every so often. This love language receives their love when their partner gives them something tangible. For instance, it can be as small as a cute pendant or as thoughtful as a customized home decor item. They view it as a token of how close you feel to them and how much you think about them.
Giving and receiving gifts creates a cycle of kindness that builds trust and closeness, making both partners feel appreciated and loved.
5. How to Treat Someone Whose Love Language is Meaningful Shared Rituals
- Make special morning or bedtime routines together
- Establish unique holiday or anniversary traditions
- Participate in spiritual or meditative practices together
- Create a mutual aspiration or plan for the relationship
Meaningful Shared Rituals
Meaningful Shared Rituals is the love language that speaks loudly about the importance of shared experiences and traditions. It’s about making special moments, habits, and bonding through familiarity. Establishing habits that encourage open dialogue is crucial. Couples who regularly engage in mindful discussions about their day-to-day experiences or express gratitude for each other’s efforts feel higher relationship satisfaction.
6. How to Treat Someone Whose Love Language is Acts of Service
- Take up one of their tasks for them every once in a while.
- Ask often if they need help with anything.
- Surprise them by making dinner or doing something that they normally would handle.
Acts of Service
The last language is acts of service. People who have acts of service as their love language receive their love when someone is helping them with a task. They feel the most connected to a partner who has no trouble lending a helping hand.
In this way, you can show them tangible proof of your love and care. It also promotes teamwork and collaboration in a relationship which enhances the bond of a couple.
Conclusion
Since everyone has a different love language, it is important to understand each other. If your partner feels loved when he or she spends time with you or decorates the home together, it becomes important for you to respect their style of love and affection.
Activities like walking, cooking, or giving each other thoughtful gifts not only nurture the relationship but also reduce anxiety and overthinking.
