There are endless ways to show love to others. Whether it be through a heartfelt compliment, a bouquet of flowers, or a romantic night out, the ways in which love and affection are shown can change depending on the individual.
The 5 love languages is a concept developed by author, speaker, and counselor Gary Chapman. The premise is simple: all acts of love are categorized into 5 categories: Quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch. Every individual is more inclined to give and receive love in one of these languages. By learning your and your partner’s primary language can help ensure both of you feel loved, appreciated, and prioritized.
Here is a breakdown of each love language, and how it may be expressed:
- Quality Time
If your love language is quality time, you tend to feel most connected with your loved one when spending dedicated time together. This love language can be shown through this language as a movie night on the couch, a Friday date night, or any moment when you are receiving undivided attention from your partner.
2. Words of Affirmation
Ask anyone with this primary love language and they will agree, words matter! Individuals with this love language appreciate when their partner states what they love about them and why they are special. If your partner receives love through words of affirmation, a simple note expressing your feelings for them will make them feel loved.
- Acts of Service
This love language is for the doers. Instead of receiving love notes or professing your feelings, individuals with this primary language feel most loved when their partner performs dutiful acts for them. If your partner receives love through acts of service, you can do a chore around the house that he or she hates, or cook them dinner after a long day of work. These efforts to make their life easier are a way of showing that you care.
- Gifts
I know what you’re thinking, who wouldn’t love gifts? However, individuals with this primary love language are more concerned with the sentiment of the gift rather than the price tag. Gift lovers appreciate it when their partner brings them back a souvenir from a trip or makes them a special DIY Christmas gift. The gesture and thought behind the items is the secret to this love language.
- Physical Touch
Calling all cuddlers! Individuals with this love language appreciate an affectionate and consensual touch. This can be seen as holding hands, a hug, or sitting close to one another. This love language is often sexualized, but actually involves affectionate closeness that can be both platonic or romantic.
In fact, all love languages can be expressed both romantically and platonically. These languages are ways we show affection towards friends, family members, and ourselves! Individuals may give and receive love in different languages, but knowing your love languages is a great way to better understand and communicate with the important people in your life.
The 5 love languages are an incredible tool to make your partner, your friends, or yourself feel more loved. <3 If you’re not sure what your primary language is, you can take the love language quiz here.
Tell us what your love language is by tagging us @HerCampusSJSU!