- Interestingly, love languages evolve over time, due to the growth of individuals and the different stages they are in life.
- When you understand your love language and that of people close to you, it enables you to effectively communicate love, be loved rightfully, and relate well with your partner.
How do you show your love to people? How do you want to be loved? Understanding how to love and to be loved can be a task of its own.
In many cases, people tend to assume and show love in different ways, without finding out how their partner's, friends', and family's preferences.
Gary Demonte Chapman, an American author and radio talk show host, came up with a concept that has provided an understanding of how to express love in different relationships.
Chapman, in 'The Five Love Languages' explores how connections can be deepened, and eventually lead to a successful relationship.
Chapman is most noted for his concept series regarding human relationships.
When you understand your love language and that of people close to you, it enables you to effectively communicate love, be loved rightfully, and relate well with your partner.
Recognising and respecting each other's love languages can help in conflict management which strengthens the relationship.
Interestingly, love languages evolve over time, due to the growth of individuals and the different stages they are in life.
Chapman reveals five types of Love Languages'
1. Words of Affirmation
As people grow up and know what they want in life, so do they understand how they want to be loved.
With the words of affirmation, they value and appreciate verbal expression of love, and tend to mark this as their number one.
Words like; I love you, You're doing amazing, I am proud of you, being complimented when they dress well can really make these individuals feel loved, and most valued in relationships.
The simple 'I am proud of you' makes more impact on these individuals' lives.
2. Acts of Service
Here, the individuals value actions more than words, and in most cases, would feel unappreciated if services they like are not done.
To make these people feel loved, you could help with cleaning the house, washing utensils, doing shopping for them, folding their clothes, doing laundry, and other tasks that they had mentioned they like being done.
They also appreciate when the services are done selflessly.
3. Gifts
With gifts, one would assume that everyone loves being gifted, but that isn't the case, some people's number one love language is gifting and feel extremely loved when they receive gifts from their loved ones.
Especially, thoughtful gifts. This can be a bit involving, but remember it's the thought that counts.
4. Quality time
With catchy and deep conversation comes quality time. People like it when their significant other or friend is present either just sitting in the house and enjoying each other's company, or doing activities together, like cooking or watching movies.
Some people feel most loved when they share quality time with the people they cherish.
Remember with quality time, it's not just being physically present, but emotionally and a bit more involving, not just sitting.
5. Physical touch
This love language involves physical gestures like holding hands, hugs, kisses, and sitting side by side.
Physical touch foresters a sense of closeness among partners, and good connections.