By Sidney Selvig, LCSW, CAADC
What are love languages? Love languages refer to five ways we want love to be shown to us and how we show love to others. We all give and receive love in different ways, which is why becoming fluent in love languages is such a worthwhile concept. Taking the time to learn your own love language and your loved ones’ can strengthen your relationships and bonds with others.
The five love languages are as follows:
Words of Affirmation
If this is your love language, it means that spoken affection, praise, encouragement, and compliments make you feel the most loved. You thrive on hearing the reason behind why you are loved- words build you up!
Acts of Service
Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! If acts of service are your love language, this means that you feel most cased for when someone helps you out willingly and/or does something to ease your burden of responsibilities.
Receiving Gifts
Don’t mistake this love language for materialism- the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift! It really could be as simple as receiving your favorite snack that makes you feel the most special.
Quality time
Spending time with your partner and receiving their undivided attention should make you feel the most loved with this love language. You feel important when your partner is truly present, without distractions, and actively listening to you.
Physical Touch
This love language is all about being touched! Holding hands, kisses, hugs, and other thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, and/or face are what make you feel most cared for and loved.
Love languages play a crucial role in maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships- whether platonic or romantic. Love languages help individuals to express their needs, as well as help satisfy the needs of others in that relationship. We can learn to truly connect more profoundly and begin to grow closer in one’s relationships when understanding which love languages we have.
