The Five Love Languages

Just as there are different languages spoken around the world, there are different emotional languages of love. Each person has a primary love language in which they receive and demonstrate love to others. Everybody has the primary emotional need to feel loved.

We must learn to identify our own love language as well as the one of our spouse and children’s. Speaking each other’s love language improves communication, understanding and romance. We can show love in our love language and the other person not receive it because theirs is a different love language. Therefore, we must seek to express love to our spouse and children in their love language.

1. Words of Affirmation You are so beautiful! I’m so proud of you! Great job! I love you! You are awesome! You are important to me!

Words of Affirmation can be praising the other person, telling them how much they are appreciated, making compliments and acknowledging the things they do in a positive way.

2. Quality Time

Ways to express love through quality time: Spending time doing something together Giving attention to the other person Talking about their favorite topic Going out to lunch or dinner Playing games or practicing a sport together Calling on lunch break, sending a text or leaving a message.

3. Receiving Gifts

How to convey your affection through this language: For the person that like receiving gifts, there is no need for a especial occasion. Gifts do not need to be expensive. A gift can be a flower from the garden or something that we made ourselves. It is the thought that counts.

4. Acts of Service

Doing things you know the other person would like you to do and helping without being asked, are good examples of acts of service. We can request things of our loved ones without demanding; requests help the other person to know us better and to understand our needs and likes. Asking our loved ones about their needs and likes lets them know that we care.

5. Physical Touch

The physical touch language is not to be confused with sexual intimacy. We can convey our affection by cuddling, embracing, kissing, a pat on the shoulder or a knee, holding hands, or other gentle touch. Gentle physical touch communicates love, creates a special bond between family members.

How to discover yours and your loved one’s love language: Observe your way of expressing love. Observe how your loved ones express love to you and to others. Listen to and takes notes of what your loved ones request of you. Observe and take notes of what your loved ones dislike. Take a love languages test from Gary Chapman book. Reference: Chapman, Gary D. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts. Chicago, IL.: Northfield Publishing, 2010. *All images taken from Google images and online pictures.