Do you know what your love languages are? There are five official love languages created by Gary Chapman. They are: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. For those of you who don't know, these are the five love languages more specifically:
1. Words of Affirmation
Hearing the words "I love you" will mean more to you than most things that your partner or friend will tell you. You're the type of person who wants to hear the reasons why someone loves you. While on the other hand, insults will leave you feeling shattered and won't be easily forgotten by you. King Solomon wrote that "The tongue has the power of life and death." Verbal communication is one of the most powerful gifts that we have been given. So if you encounter someone who's love language is words of affirmation (even if they aren't), say encouraging words to them. Be an uplifiting person with your words.
2. Acts of Service
Anything from cooking a meal to washing the dishes, or changing the baby's dirty diaper, will all be considered acts of service towards your partner or friend. If this is your partner's primary love language, then nothing will be better for them than to act. This love language might be a little rough on those who aren't used to it, but it is an expression of love not being a slave to your spouse. A willingness to look at and change our own views of what love is or should be.
3. Physical Touch
A person who's love language is physical touch will obviously be perceived as very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, hand holding or even light touches on the arm or shoulder will be ways to show excitement, care, love, and concern. Physical touch creates emotional closeness through body language if this is your number one love language. Be careful, however, if this is your number one, of boundaries. Be aware that not everyone might like being touched or hugged in excess. In a time of emotional crisis, a hug can mean more than anything you can every say.
Physical Touch Video
4. Quality Time
Maintain eye contact, listen without interruption, or simply sit down and be with your partner or friend. These are all aspects of quality time. Giving someone, who's primary love language is quality, your full and undivided attention will be a way to communicate that you love them. Distraction or postponing dates, and failure to listen, can be particularly hurtful.
5. Gifts
Receiving gifts can be mistaken for materialism, but it is about the receiver of gifts thriving on the love and thoughtfulness behind the effort and gesture rather than the gift itself. If someone you know or your partner speaks this language, then a good way to show your love is to get a gift that shows them that you know who they are, what they like and that they are cared for by you. Whereas a missed birthday, anniversary, or a particularly thoughtless gift might not be the best course of action.
If you aren't sure which love language is your first, you can take a quiz that tells you which love language ranks where. http://www.5lovelanguages.com/
