Which is better: A hug or a handwritten note? Someone taking out the trash for you, or someone buying you the new pair of shoes you've been wanting? Would you rather stay in all day watching movies, or sit and talk about the future you hope to have with someone?
Love is not shy of scientific fact. There have been many studies to prove the validity of love as more than just a feeling. However, like each person has a preference on what drive-thru to go to, each person has a preference on how they want to be loved. Knowing your significant other’s love language will help you down the road, yet it can be difficult when your love languages don’t match up. Don’t worry though, just because your “bae” has a different love language than you doesn’t mean that your relationship won’t prosper. The key to keeping the fire in your relationship going is understanding their love language and trying to incorporate it into the way you show your affection.
First, you should take note of what the five love languages are: Words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. You can discover what is your love language by taking the quiz online or reading the book "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. What you will learn from the information within the little purple book will last help you succeed in any of the romantic or platonic relationships that enter your life. Understanding each of the love languages, as well as you own, will help you to effectively and appropriately communicate your affection.
This chart shows each love language, how they would like love to be communicated, and some things to avoid. However, if you need more ideas on how to effectively communicate your love to another, here are a few ways to show your affection that suites each of the five love languages!
Words of Affirmation:
1. Make a video for a loved one, remembering all the best memories and experiences you had together. You could include photos or videos from your favorite place, or simply sit down together and talk about your cherished moments. This is a gift that serves as a time capsule that can be watched many times in the future.
2. Text a friend something you really admire about them. Just telling someone how some of the admirable attributes can brighten their day. You never know how much one kind word might mean!
Acts of Service:
1. A different way to show someone you love them is through gladly doing something for them. Tedious tasks like washing the dishes, folding laundry, or leaning the trash out of someone’s car are all acts that your significant other might appreciate the most.
2. Even doing acts of service for other people in your significant lover’s life will show your love for them. Think about how you can help those in your partner’s family whether it be inviting them to a dinner you prepared or mowing their lawn for them
Receiving Gifts:
1. Make a note on your phone where you keep track of different gift ideas for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Be sure to listen for when they are window shopping and see something they “wish they had.”
2. Save memorabilia from dates and great memories and put them in a box. You can both go through the box together and reminisce on some of the adventures you both have had. This box will be one of the most meaningful gifts they have every received!
Quality Time:
1. Make a list of classic movies that you and your loved one have never seen, then spend a whole day watching them.
2. Phones off! Go on a date but keep your phones off and away. It may seem unnatural but this will allow for great conversations without any distractions.
Physical Touch:
1. Go on Groupon and find some deals on dance classes. Dancing may not be your forte; however, dancing brings people together to form bonds that show your love!
2. Give your partner a back rub just because. It never hurts to wake up to a back message or fall asleep to some soothing back scratching. These are subtle ways that show your significant other your affection.
