According to the best-selling book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts there are five different ways in which people like to give and receive affection towards their loved ones. This can range from physical touch and words of affirmation all the way to quality time and the things you do with your partner.
Problems can come around when you don't really have an understanding of what theirs (and even yours) is. it could be as simple as, spending a quiet day in bed with the TV on, or as complicated as going to a fancy dinner. If you or your partner's love language is quality time, here are some things to keep in mind.
You don't have to be doing anything but being in the same room as them and they are happy
I meant it you could literally just be sitting in silence and they would be happy because you are there. In short, they want YOU.
It's the little things that are important
Maybe that's making dinner (or dessert), helping out with work, or even going for a walk. You're SO just wants to spend time with you.
It doesn't need to be a long moment, just enough to show them that they matter
Everyone wants to know like they matter, especially by the ones they love (and that love them).
Make time for them
Continually blowing someone off whose love language is quality time communicates to them that you are no longer interested or as invested as they are.
Listen when they are speaking
Honestly, this is something you should do no matter what your SO's main love language is, but it is especially important to those who value quality time.
Be there for them
When times are good and when times are bad and when times are bad, be there for them a little bit more. Trust me, they love it.
They don't really need gifts or words
Those things are nice (and loved) on occasion, but not a necessity for someone who leans more towards quality time.
Ask them how their day was
When Nick does this with me, it is usually one of the best parts of the day (even if all I say is good). It shows that he (or she) cares about you and wants to know how you've been.
If busy, find small ways to spend time with them
Often times, Nick and I don't have time to see each other during the week, so we spend time together on the weekends and whenever else we can (mostly between classes).
Ultimately, they just want your undivided attention
No matter what you're doing.
Remember: No one speaks just one love language
Yes, their main one is most likely quality time, but that doesn't mean it's the only way for you to show that you love them. For example, my other main two (besides quality time) are physical touch (which for the people that know me is probably surprising) and acts of service.
If you're not 100 percent sure what your or your partners love language is, click here to get started.
