The 5 Love Languages

Falling in love can be an exhilarating ride, but once the dust has settled it can quickly feel as if you and your partner speak different languages.

When things get ‘lost in translation’, our attempts to make our partner feel loved may often fall flat, resulting in frustration and hurt on both sides.

To avoid this, you need to take the time to make sure you are communicating love in the way your partner wants to receive it.

This concept of love languages was developed by Gary Chapman, Ph.D., in his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, in which he describes five unique styles of communicating love, categories he distilled from his experience in marriage counselling and linguistics.

Most people have two dominant love languages.

1.Words of affirmation
Unsolicited compliments and encouragement mean the world to this person.
People with words of affirmation as a love language value verbal and written acknowledgements of affection.

2. Quality time
Nothing says love like your undivided attention.
People whose love language is quality time feel the most adored when their partner actively wants to spend time with them. They value active listening, eye contact and full presence while doing things together. This could be meaningful conversations or sharing recreational activities.

3. Acts of service
Actions speak louder than words.
You feel loved when your partner goes out of his or her way to make your life easier. Practical things like bringing you soup when you’re sick and cleaning the kitchen are more impactful then being told ‘I love you’.

4. Gifts
You feel loved when people give you “visual symbols of love” as Chapman calls it. It’s not about the monetary value but the symbolic thought behind the item.
The key is to give meaningful things that matter to them and reflect their values.

5. Physical touch
To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate physical touch. They will gravitate towards touch, offering a foot rub, back tickles, a hug or hand holding to show affection (note that these do not need to be sexual in nature).
Physical intimacy and touch can be incredibly affirming and serve as a powerful emotional connector for people with this love language.
Learn your love language by taking the free quiz at 5lovelanguages.com/learn.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0

WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.