Here’s Your Guide To The 5 Different Kinds Of Love Languages So You Can Figure Out Which One You Speak
Have You Ever Wondered What A Love Language Is?
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A love language is a preferred way someone gives and receives love. When couples have different love languages but are not aware of them, they may feel unloved or invalidated within the relationship.
While there are several theories around love languages listing anywhere from 5-8 love languages, I will be referencing the work of Gary Chapman, Ph.D., and his theory of 5 Love Languages. This is the theory that most people are referring to when speaking about love languages.
There Are 5 Different Ones, So Let’s Break Them Down
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The five love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch.
1. Words Of Affirmation
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If this is your love language, how someone speaks to you means everything. You feel loved most often when praised, encouraged, and complimented. Unfortunately, this also means that anytime you are verbally criticized or someone uses harsh language toward you, you tend to be bothered more so than others.
2. Acts Of Service
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If this is your love language, you feel loved when your partner does things for you. This could be doing the laundry for you, running those errands you don’t have time for, making breakfast for you, or making you a cup of coffee when you wake up.
You need to see your partner DO things for you to feel loved in the relationship. However, if your partner breaks a promise or stops doing things to help you out, you may begin to feel like they do not value you.
3. Receiving Gifts
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If this is your love language, you adore getting gifts. However, these need to be thoughtful gifts. This love language is not necessarily materialistic. When this is your love language, you appreciate any gift with special meaning.
This could be a rock picked up from the first trail you ever hiked together as a couple with the date of that hike written on it. That gift shows attentiveness, and it symbolizes your thoughtfulness. A random gift might still do the trick, but it won’t have the same impact as a well-thought-out gift with special significance.
4. Quality Time
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If this is your love language, you feel loved when your partner takes time out of their day to spend time with you and prioritize you. This means your partner engages in active listening when you speak, they don’t play on their phone when they are with you, and they make sure you are what they are focused on.
This makes you feel loved and important. Conversely, when your partner doesn’t carve out time for you, or they are not fully present when spending time with you, you will feel like you are not important to them.
5. Physical Touch
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If this is your love language, you feel loved when your partner conveys affection, warmth, and safety through physical contact. This is about connecting in a meaningful way through physical contact. Hugs, kisses, hand holding, and other forms of touch in appropriate situations convey they love and value you. Conversely, a lack of touch can send the message that they are not interested in you.
So, Now That You Know, What Is Your Love Language?
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Let us know in the comments below!
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