The five known love languages:
1.Words of Affirmation
Those loveable compliments. Your personality, looks and mind being appreciated. These people love to be told they are beautiful, that their smile shines and their laughter is contagious. Â
2.Quality time
Being present is simply enough for these people. They strive for comfort through company. They like fun too, playing games, maybe some dates of shopping or just relaxing. It is not what you are doing, it is who you are doing it with.
3.Physical touch
The warmth of your skin is comforting. It is the idea that you are not only close in your relationship but physically too. Hugs and cuddles are treasured.
4.Acts of Service
When they do a helpful task without being asked. Things like cleaning the house or a small little chore are valued to them. They remember the things you do when they are not feeling well or not in the mood.
5.Recieving gifts
The vase of flowers or a beautiful piece of jewelry given unexpectedly will brighten their hearts. They feel appreciated and notice when you remember their favorite foods and gifts.
For me, nothing will beat a deep conversation or the relaxing time before bed that I spend with my friends or family. My love language is quality time. However, I know balance. I have been surrounded by all these kinds of love. I like to learn about what other people’s love languages are, so I can give them what they need to feel appreciated.
While I prefer one of the languages over the other, does not mean I can’t speak all.
Love is intricate; and I am not just talking about love romantically, because I have yet to experience that and in fact do not know about it. I am talking about the love I feel with my friends and family.
Each person is different, which is why you must learn how they express love before getting too deep into the relationship. If you never realize their preferred language, then understanding them is going to be difficult.
I also strongly believe that there are more than just these five; there are some more personal and unique to individuals. One thing about me is that I like connecting through music and hobbies, which can be looked at as an extension of quality time. If you tell me about your favorite artist, it is likely that I will add their songs to my playlist. It is one of those unique things I do to show that I am listening to you. I have listened to Taylor Swift’s “Tortured Poets Department” album, Sza’s “SOS Deluxe” album, and many songs by David Kushner who is now one of my favorite artists. I also love to pick up the hobbies my loved ones like. I want to do these things with them.
The thing about love languages is there is no right answer.
Each relationship contains their own, unique, variety of love languages. It is how our love is conveyed. So just because my brother, Logan, and I high five extremely loudly before I leave for college instead of hugging does not mean he does not care for me. And just because my friends and I do not compliment each other every day, does not mean we do not realize how amazing our relationship is.