Love and Love Languages: What You Need to Know

Love is something that can make people do extraordinary things. It holds such power that can either make or break people’s lives. For some, love means an extreme feeling of affection towards someone while for others; it refers to a strong interest about something.

However, there is a common misconception that love is only for romantic purpose that is shared by couples. You shouldn’t see love on that same old angle, because there are other types of love that goes beyond that perception if you just try to adjust your view. There are also many platforms that showcase the products of love, like literature. A great example is the take on the subject of the remarkable author Raymond Qauttlebaum in reflection of love and also how love becomes a powerful feeling and how God loves His people unconditionally.

There are still more to love than you think. Do you know that there are different love languages? If you still don’t, then perhaps it is time for you to know and recognize these love languages that we listed below based on the book of Gary Chapman titled The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate.

Words of affirmation

This is the love language of people who feels comfortable upon knowing that their better half pays enough attention to them and recognizes the things that make them annoyed and admires the things that make them remarkable. It is not a matter of seeking for praises, but of recognizing that your loved one is thinking of you on the same extent that you do.

According to Gary Chapman, individuals whose love language is the words of affirmation have the need of hearing their other halves to say the words, “I love you.” What is much better is entailing the reasons explaining why you love them by dropping them a voice message, leaving handwritten cards, or talking to them in person with the use of words of encouragement and love. Other simpler words of affirmation are, “thank you,” “I appreciate it,” “I am grateful for you,” and more. These words also do not need some grander gestures to be delivered because noticing the little things that happened in your partner and acknowledging them through your words is already more than enough.

Quality time

Quality time refers to the love language that revolves around togetherness, which makes both parties to feel that he or she is belonging to someone and is close to that special person. Hence, it means that you should shower your partner with your full attention. When you are together, you shouldn’t be constantly checking your phone, playing video games, and etc. All you need is to put everything down and focus on your better half. The moment that you start to put your attention to your partner, it will truly his or her heart. The other party will feel that he or she is valued and special.

Spending some quality time together will not only fuel the flame within you but also strengthen your bond. You can do some sharing of things that you don’t like, fear, love, and such. It is the best time to remove all your guards and be comfortable knowing that your partner will know the real you without any fear of being judged and vice versa. This will definitely make you get to know one another better and increase the strength of your relationship.

Receiving gifts

This particular love language is represented by those people who see gifts as the physical representations of love. The gifts are also viewed as the things that show the affection of their partners to them. So, if you or your partner’s love language is receiving gifts — then, you probably know by now that every present given to you (or vice versa) is an expression of love.

Individuals who are into this love language also develop on the love, effort, care, and attentiveness behind the every present. Therefore, this is where actions matter more than words. The activity of giving presents will tell your special someone that you have thought and cared about him or her, and you have gone your way to paint a smile on his or her face.

Acts of service

Acts of service is the love language that pertains to all actions that is done to loosen the weight of responsibility. This includes but is not limited to doing household chores, cooking dinner, buying groceries, leaving post-it notes with message of gratitude, and more. If you still have no idea on the needs of your partner, you may ask him or her for ideas on their needs or wants to make their everyday better and lighter. It doesn’t have to be grand, simpler acts of service will always do.

Physical touch

This is the love language of people who likes to hold hands, hug, pat, and other forms of physical touch. According to Gary Chapman, you must be intentional in searching for methods to show your affection and love for your partner through physical touches, such as offering to rub their backs, touching their hand or arm when talking, hugging them, and more. Additionally, what is important in using this love language is avoiding to oppress your partner upon conducting the acts.