WHAT’S YOUR LOVE LANGUAGE?

Since it’s the month of love, we thought it would only be fitting to share tips on how you and your partner can improve your relationship... one love language at a time.

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American author Gary Chapman is most famous for his book The Five Love Languages, which zooms in on human connections and relationships. Gary emphasises that “love is a choice you make every day”, and that part of making that choice is learning how to communicate and express your love for your significant other, no matter their age or creed, in a way that they will understand.

It’s important to remember that while you may love someone and attempt to show that in your own way, this does not automatically mean your partner feels loved. And the way your partner ‘gives’ love isn’t necessarily the same way that you understand and ‘receive’ it.

Be mindful that your partner (or you) may have multiple love languages that intersect, and that they could change over time because of different life circumstances.

Your own love language might be different to your partner’s – so a happy and healthy relationship is all about finding balance. Let’s take a look at these five love languages and what they mean for different individuals.

1. WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

If your partner glows or blushes at any expression of affection, then it’s likely that this is their most dominant love language. They will appreciate praise, kind notes, compliments and encouragement. If this sounds like your partner, take note of all the small details about them. Let them know that you appreciate their hard work and effort, and that you feel proud of what they’ve achieved and are working towards.

2. QUALITY TIME
If you notice that your partner is a great listener and likes you to make eye contact when you’re talking, then it’s clear that they appreciate undivided attention from you. For them, quality trumps quantity, and they are happiest when their loved one is present during shared moments.

3. PHYSICAL TOUCH
If this is your partner’s love language then physical or ‘tactile’ affection, such as hand holding, hugs or that reassuring shoulder squeeze, is what truly shows them that you care. But don’t get the wrong idea...Showing them love through physical touch doesn’t always mean sex – this is a common misconception. With a life companion who loves physical touch, what matters most is proximity and feeling close to you, as they’re the cuddle bunnies of the bunch!

4. ACTS OF SERVICE
If this is your partner’s primary love language, then they feel reassured and loved when you offer to do considerate things for them, such as repairing something that is broken or even just making a snack for them after a long day. People who resonate with this love language tend to take extra special note of the little things and will often be seen doing small favours for others, too.

5. RECEIVING GIFTS
This shouldn’t be misunderstood as an obsession with worldly things or being ‘greedy’, nor is it the same as ‘Acts of Service’. Instead, this love language is focused on the thought, time and effort that has gone into selecting a gift, rather than the value of the physical gift itself. These partners get the warm fuzzies simply knowing that the person they love understands them and is paying attention to their preferences, ideas and shared memories.


By: Text courtesy of Club Magazine
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images