What if you could say or do the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved? The secret is learning and speaking their love language.
Best-selling author Gary Chapman defines love languages in his New York Times best-selling book, “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts.” Gary Chapman describes love languages as the “five ways people speak and understand emotional love.”
Words of Affirmation
Words mean a lot to you. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean everything. You value hearing, “I love you.” Honest compliments and praise mean a great deal, and insults or harsh words are crushing.
Quality Time
Nothing says, “I love you,” more than receiving your love interest’s full, undivided attention. You want someone’s undivided attention. Being there is critical to you – with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby – makes you feel exceptional and loved.
Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be exceedingly hurtful. The gift of your time is worth more than any material present you could give.
Receiving Gifts
Rather than being a materialist, as a receiver of gifts, you thrive on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If this is your language, the perfect gift or gesture shows you are known, you are cared for, and you are valued above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you.
To miss your birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous – so would be the absence of everyday gestures.
Acts of Service
Can vacuuming the floors be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes.
Laziness, broken commitments, and doing more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter. They most want to hear the words: “Let me do that for you.”
Physical Touch
If this is your primary language, you are very touchy. A gentle hand on the shoulder, a peck on the cheek, a warm embrace, or quietly sitting beside you makes you feel loved. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love.
Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive. Learn what’s your love language as well as those of your family by going here.
