Let’s Talk Love Languages

Relationships thrive on work. Just like flowers that need watering to grow and not die, relationships need both parties to work toward their success. Relationships in this context could be platonic friendships or romantic relationships. Either way, showing your partner(s) or friends you care deeply for them requires deliberate effort. Exhibiting this effort is where love languages are essential.

Love languages are ways we give and like to receive love. There are five love languages; words of affirmation, quality time, gifting, acts of service, and physical touch. The concept of love languages exists because of individual personalities differences and their idea of what feels like/should be.

Words of affirmation help build individuals up and help build confidence and self-esteem. Individuals who value this language love spoken soft words that praise, encourage, or display affection. Telling your partner/friend how much you appreciate them is an example here.

Quality time helps reinforce the feeling of being important to someone. This language involves spending time and showering attention on your partner whenever you’re together. Keeping away all forms of distractions like phones also makes you more present and enjoyable.

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Gifting as a love language doesn’t translate to materialism. Individuals who value this language see gifts, especially thoughtful ones, as indicators of how much they’re appreciated. Gifts in this context don’t have to be extravagant but directed towards making the other party happy.

People who value acts of service hate unfulfilled promises and laziness. Doing something that lightens your partners’ workload displays an act of service. The workload might be a minor task or significantly more extensive, but it makes partners happy.

Lastly, physical touch helps convey the feeling of warmth and desire to your partner. Kisses, hugs, caresses, and holding hands are some ways to express this love language.

Knowing your partners/friends love language is an essential part that helps us love them the right way.