Love Languages

So what are love languages? Google this and you will get a host of answers. So while this blog is going to briefly outline what the five love languages are, more importantly, its going to delve into why it is important in a relationship to know your partner's love language. Let's start with the five basic love languages:

1. Words of Affirmation: Giving a compliment or appreciating your partner. Always helps to be specific rather than general.

2. Quality Time: The important word here is 'quality'. This means focused and undivided attention for your partner, dedicating time to be spent doing something just with your partner (i.e. no work calls, no browsing/scrolling on the phone).

3. Acts of Service: Showing love by doing something for your partner. E.g. running errands, cooking for them, helping them out with a project, making them a cup of tea/coffee.

4. Physical Touch: Showing love by physical contact such as hugs, kisses, just holding hands, etc.

5. Gifts: Expressing love by buying gifts hopefully that are to your partner's taste and like.

So after reviewing this list, do you know your love language - how you like to receive love and also, do you know your partner's love language? If you dont, please ask - dont assume. Frequently, I come across couples where one partner will claim that the other person does not love them. Now the issue at hand is not an absence of love. Most often, the other partner just isnt expressing love the way the other spouse/partner wants it. For example, a husband might shower their wife with gifts when the wife really just wants quality time with the husband. Do you get the picture?

Relationships are effective when there is open communication about each partner's wants and needs. Take the time to talk about your preferred love languages. In fact, rate the five love languages from most preferred to least and ask your partner to do the same. Use this moving forward and see what effect it has on your relationship. For most couples, this alone can work wonders. Hope it helps you too!