In the journey of love, we all have different ways in which we communicate our love to our partners. Knowing your partner's love language and letting them know yours is a way to help you both feel loved and accepted. The 5 love languages are the simple and effective ways to receive and express love in your relationship. Understanding it and putting the right measures to use will not only strengthen your relationship, but it will make you experience greater joy and harmony in it. 

What are the 5 love languages? 

​​​​The 5 different ways of expressing and receiving love are: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts, and physical touch. The concept of love languages was developed by Gary Chapman, Ph.D., in his book The 5 love languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts  where he described these five unique styles of expressing and communicating love based on his experience in marriage counseling and linguistics.

What does each love language means and represent? 

​​​​1. Words of affirmation: People with words of affirmation as a love language value verbal acknowledgment of affection. They enjoy being appreciated with words, uplifting and encouraging quotes, and notes, cute text messages. They also enjoy the frequent "I love you's" and sweet compliments. This love language matters a lot to them because it makes them feel appreciated, accepted, and loved. 

2. Quality time: Someone with this love language wants undivided attention. They feel loved when their partner gives them full attention, listens to them actively, not distracted by phones, television, or any outside interference. They prioritize quality over quantity. 

3. Acts of service: People on this list love to be shown that they are appreciated. This is where the proverb that says "actions speaks louder than words" comes in. People with this love language love when their partner goes all out to make life easier for them, like:

​​✓ Helping out with the chores

✓ Running errands

✓ Picking the kids up at school cos you're running late

✓ Cooking meals for the family just because you had a stressful day at work.

These acts of service are highly cherished and appreciated. 

4. Receiving gifts: This set of people enjoy being gifted something physical and meaningful. They don't just treasure the gift but also treasure the thoughtfulness behind the gift and the effort the giver put in to get a gift, especially for them. People with this love language tend to often remember every gift they received from their partners because it makes such a great impact on them.

5. Physical touch: People with this love language feels love through physical affection. They just want to be close to their partner physically. They love it when they receive physical signs of affection like kissing, hugging, cuddling, holdings hands, and sex. The feeling of warmth and comfort that comes with physical touch is highly valued and cherished by people in this category.

Now that the 5 love languages have been explained, what actions should you take on them? 

1. If you discover that your partner's love language is "Words of affirmation", you should spice up your love life by sending him/her sweet good morning text messages, a surprise love card, encouraging quotes and texts regularly. 

2. If your partner enjoys "physical touch", then, make intimacy a priority. Hug, kiss, cuddle, and hold hands frequently. Show physical affection often. 

3. ​​​​​If it is "quality time", plan vacations together, weekend getaways, curate special outings, go to the cinemas, and eateries, take walks, and do the little things together.

4. If it's "Receiving gifts", give thoughtful and meaningful gifts. Small things matters in a big way. You don't have to wait till you can get something expensive. Remember to always express gratitude when your partner get you a gift.

5. ​​​​If it's "Acts of service", do chores together, make them breakfast in bed, and go out of your way to make sure each day's workload is alleviated. 

Now, ask yourself, What is my love language?

To know your love language, ask yourself if you feel more loved when your partner :

✓ Tells you: "I love you", or appreciate you for something you did? 

✓ Plans a trip for you two to spend time together or Listen to you actively with undivided attention? 

✓  Surprises you with meaningful and thoughtful gifts?

✓ Run the errands or assist with the chores?

✓ Holds your hands while you're walking or gives you a massage when you're physically stressed? 

Answering these questions could give you a hint about what your love language is. You can also try to recall what you ask for in your relationship or consider how you express love to your partner to get your answer. 

To wrap it up, it's expedient to know that your partner's love language might not be the same as yours. However, if your partner learns to speak your love language (and you, theirs), you both will feel happier, loved, and appreciated in the relationship. 

Happy Valentine's day, my dear reader ❤️. I hope you enjoyed this blog post. This is my special gift to you. Have a beautiful valentine's day. Do well to like, comment, and share this blog post to your loved ones. Thank you❤️.