The Five Languages of Love

Danielle Richards
The Language of Love

If you have wandered into any shopping center as of late, you have probably noticed a ridiculous amount of chocolate that can feed a small nation and an invasion of oversized stuffed animals. That can only mean one thing… Valentine's Day is coming!

Valentine's Day tends to either bring out the Hollywood romantic side of some OR a less dramatized outlook on the holiday. I am personally guilty of being a hopeless romantic on this holiday regardless if I’m the one being whisked away for a romantic evening or being showered with chocolates and flowers. I love looking around me and seeing others enjoying the holiday and it always makes me smile.

I find most peoples objection to the holiday is “you should treat your partner special everyday, not just on Valentine’s Day.” And with that I completely agree. I believe in acknowledging the little things, but I see no harm in wishing your loved one a Happy Valentines Day while making sure to give them an extra kiss while they are headed to work.

In my adoration for all things romantic, I consistently read relationship advice and articles, read books on the topic and of course watch alllllll the sappy movies. But one concept that has fascinated me is the idea of Love Language by Gary Chapman.

The basic concept is that everyone expresses and receives love differently. Whatever your love language is, and you may have a few, this is how you convey and show love to the ones you care for. It is also the language your partner needs to be speaking for you to feel loved!

According to this theory there are 5 different Languages of Love:

1. Words of affirmation – using words to build up the other person. “Thanks for
taking out the garbage.” “you mean everything to me.”
2. Gifts – a gift says, “They were thinking about me. Look what they got for me.”
3. Acts of Service – Doing something for someone that you know they would like. Cooking a meal, washing dishes, picking up that special snack that you know they love, are all acts of service.
4. Quality time - Giving your significant other your undivided attention. Taking a walk together or sitting on the couch with the TV off – talking and listening
5. Physical touch – holding hands, hugging, kissing, intimacy, are all expressions of love.

If you feel in your romantic life that you aren’t on the same page with your partner, or keep missing the mark when showing you care, or have maybe been feeling like you aren’t being noticed. Determining your Love Language may help create a stronger bond and let you appreciate the little gestures more and more.

Sometimes your Love Language will differ from your partners and that’s okay! By knowing how they feel appreciated you’ll be able to make every gesture show you care in their own language.

This Valentine's Day, sit down with your partner and start communicating 😉

Stay Magical

-D