Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the best-selling book “The 5 Love Languages” believes that relationships have a better chance of growing if we understand each other. He suggests that everyone gives and receives love differently, so we need to know our partner in order to give them the right kind of love, and the love they deserve. According to him, love languages might differ between people, but they are easy to learn and will help us have more meaningful and loving relationships.
Bright Side loves love, so we would like to give you this information, which can hopefully help you with your romantic and non-romantic relationships. At the end of the article, there’s a bonus mini-quiz to test your love language knowledge!
People whose love language is words of affirmation value verbal connection, no matter if it’s spoken or written. It could be words that express affection, compliments, appreciation, encouragement, or something as simple as, “I love you.” Dr. Michelle Rosser-Majors, associate professor at the University of Arizona Global Campus, explains that positive affirmations bring us more than just a good feeling. According to her, people aspire to feel valued, appreciated, and competent, so positive words that make us feel this way can build healthy and strong relationships.
According to Dr. Gary Chapman, an act of service is doing something for your spouse that you know they’d like for you to do. It could be anything, it could be receiving help about something very important to us or our significant other, like simply watering our plants for us. Dr. Rosser-Majors explains that true leaders serve others before themselves and that these selfless acts inspire people and strengthen bonds.
According to Dr. Chapman, this love language is all about quality over quantity. Quality time is giving someone your undivided attention, but not sitting and watching Netflix together. It should be just you and your partner talking, no TVs, no phones, no other distractions. People feel good if they know that they’re the only thing on your agenda. Dr. Chapman also notes that it’s important to express this love language in your non-romantic relationships too.
Physical touch could be something as simple as a high-five or sharing an intimate kiss with your partner and holding their hand. Touching is the first way of communication we learn when we’re born, and it is crucial for our development as we grow up. People whose love language is physical touch may struggle a lot more when they’re unable to do it. That is why something as simple as sending them hugs and telling them that you wish you could do it in person could cause their brain to produce endorphins, the same way it would if the hug was real.
Giving gifts is the most simple love language. They don’t always have to be expensive ones or big ones. It could be something as little as going for groceries and buying your roommate’s favorite chocolate or cereal, it could also be sending a family member who lives away a framed picture of the family, or the pets. The thought, the choosing of the gift, and giving the gift will give the person a feeling of affection. And it’s not only that but there are also positive psychological benefits to giving gifts and not just receiving them.
What is the most unforgettable thing your partner has done for you? And what is your love language? If you’re unsure, you could take Dr. Chapman’s quiz to find out.
8 years and he still thinks mine is ice cream and not words of affirmation with quality time being second place. Ah well, we’re working on it. His are the same as mine except reversed. I appreciate that this was featured/written. It’s such a lovely concept that people don’t think about.
the best thing for me is when my boyfriend takes care of me by helping with the tasks I struggle with, without even asking, he just takes the lead
