It is often a surprise to realize that we all have different love languages. We show and express love differently. Sometimes conflict can occur when we are not feeling love from our partner. What if having different love languages was not an issue any more? What if you could say or do just the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved? The secret is learning the love language of your partner! Millions of couples have learned the simple way to express their feelings and bring joy back into marriage: The 5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman’s New York Times bestseller! The amazing book has been translated into more than 40 languages through the world.
“The Five Love Languages” book has helped thousands and thousands of couples identify powerful and practical ways to express love, simply by using the appropriate love language. Many husbands, wives and partners who had spent years struggling through their marriages or relationships discovered that they had been showing love through messages that weren’t getting through. By recognizing their different love languages, their love came alive again! This was a shock to them becaue they thought their love was gone for good.
Here are the five love languages:
-
Words of Affirmation
Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. You love to hear the important words, “I love you,” and hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits flying high! Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.
-
Quality Time
Nothing says “I love you” like Quality Time- full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical. This means really being there with the TV off, and all chores and tasks on hold—makes your significant other feel truly loved and very special. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be very hurtful.
-
Receiving Gifts
This love language is NOT about materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are thought of above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed anniversary, birthday, or a thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.
-
Acts of Service
Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Yes! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell people of this love language that their feelings don’t matter.
-
Physical Touch
This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face can all be ways to show concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.
If you and your partner know each other’s different love languages, this will really help your relationship. My main love language is Words of Affirmation. I love when my partner says “I love you, I miss you, or I can’t wait to see you”. Acts of service is my 2nd favorite. My partner is always fixing things for me. I feel cared for and loved.
What is your love language? What is your partner’s love language? Please drop me a note on my blog. I would love to hear from you.
