Love languages have garnered a great deal of popularity in recent years because people are starting to realize that the way that they love and show love may not be the same way that their partner wants to be loved or shown love. It is extremely important to learn your love language together to live a more harmonious and happy life. There are five love languages- gifts, physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service and quality time. While in reality, all of these are extremely important parts of a relationship (and I truly believe you need all of them to be happy), we all tend to focus on one the most. Or in other words, one of them is most important to us individually. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the best way to give your partner a gift they will appreciate this year is by making sure it aligns with their love language.
Gifts
Gift giving is the most misunderstood of all the love languages, which is why I’m going to put this one first. When someone likes receiving gifts from their partner, it rarely has anything to do with the monetary value, and has everything to do with the thoughtfulness behind the gift. Someone who enjoys receiving gifts appreciates when their partner is listening to what they want, knows them well, and puts a great deal of thought and effort into getting them something meaningful. It is the physical depiction of love in gift form. Some great Valentine’s Day gifts would be something that you know your partner has been wanting but hasn’t bought themselves, something they may have mentioned in passing, or something that you just know they will love and has meaning to one or both of you.
Physical Touch
Physical touch is the love language that loves physical affection from their partner. This can vary from kissing, holding hands, snuggling, or being intimate. The physical touch of their partner can often connect them emotionally as well which is why they want to feel close with them. For this person on Valentine’s Day, they would love if their partner gave them a sensual massage, prepared a bath for two, or created a rose petal covered bed with candles.
Words of Affirmation
Words of affirmation is the love language that is centered around verbal acknowledges or professions of love. Someone who values this wants to hear how much you mean to them and how important they are to you. Compliments, encouragement, and appreciation are all going to be highly valued by this individual. Therefore, gift giving needs to be centered around these things. Some great gift ideas could be writing them a long heartfelt letter, creating a list of 100 things you love about them, or writing a poem that puts your feelings into words.
Quality Time
Quality time is the love language where someone wants to spend time with their partner, getting their undivided attention and making memories. This means that when you’re both out to dinner, the phones are away and you are in deep conversation with one another. Someone who loves quality time would enjoy going to a museum together for Valentine’s Day or spending a romantic evening getting dinner and drinks.
Acts of Service
Acts of service is the love language where actions speak louder than words. Someone who appreciates acts of service from their partner is someone who would like their partner to be thoughtful with their time. They want someone who is going to help them by making their lives easier, because that is an ultimate signifier of love to them. This could mean that if you had a project your partner asked you to take care of, you do it and surprise them with it on Valentine’s Day. Or you could grab groceries as well as whatever is needed to make dinner for two, and surprise them with a home cooked meal. It is the little things that they will greatly appreciate.
