Let’s Talk About Love Languages

Sharing your love with your partner or friends isn’t always easy, but knowing these five love languages can help you crack the code and deepen your relationships in the process. 

If you’ve never heard about love languages before or aren’t sure which acts of love the people you care about most prefer, then listen up! Accordingly to Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, there are five core ways to show love and receive love. 

Words of Affirmation

Showing love through verbal expression, which can come in the form of a compliment or a simple “I love you.”

Acts of Service

Showing love by doing things for another, such as helping a person with laundry or running an errand for them. 

Gifts

Showing love by giving gifts, whether it’s bringing someone flowers or leaving a surprise candy bar in someone’s bag.

Quality Time

Showing love by giving someone your undivided attention when you’re spending time together. 

Physical Touch

Showing love through physical gestures, such as giving someone a hug or holding their hand. 

5 Ways to Show Love in Friendships

1. Words of Affirmation: Don’t just compliment their cute sense of style! Make your compliments more meaningful by telling them what a wonderful friend they are to you. 
2. Acts of Service: Offer to pick up their dry cleaning or drop their kids off at soccer practice—trust us, the gesture will go a long way!
3. Gifts: Gifting them a pair of shoes they’ve been lusting over on Instagram or a framed photo of the two of you will instantly warm their heart. 
4. Quality Time: From planning a mini road trip together to having heart-to-hearts over a cup of tea in your living room, setting aside some one-on-one bonding time will speak volumes. 
5. Physical Touch: Whether they’re having a rough day or they’re sharing some exciting news, nothing says “I love you” more than a giant bear hug. 

5 Ways to Show Love in Relationships

1. Words of Affirmation: Tuck a sweet note into your partner’s jacket pocket for a surprise pick-me-up or make a point to compliment them whenever you see them going above and beyond.  
2. Acts of Service: Book their next dentist appointment for them, unload the dishwasher, or scrub the bathroom so it’s no longer on their chores list—whatever task they dread the most.
3. Gifts: While you could buy them a new book by their favorite author or surprise them with tickets to a sporting event, handmade gifts—like cookies you made from scratch or a photo collage you created—are just as special (if not more so!).
4. Quality Time: Whether it’s arranging a date for the two of you or simply putting your phone on airplane mode, find a way to carve out time for togetherness. 
5. Physical Touch: Hold hands while you’re in the car or give them a “just because” kiss as you’re walking by them in the kitchen to create a sense of closeness.