Do You Know Your Love Language?

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Love languages are the ways of expressing and receiving love. Psychology says, there are five different love languages  Dr. Gary Chapman who wrote The Five Love Languages in 1995 dissects the principles behind communicating love, which remains relevant and useful in many different types of relationships, from family and friends to romantic partners. 

First on the list is Gift Giving. Chapman emphasizes that your primary and secondary love languages reflect both how you give love and how you receive it. In this first love language, individuals who identify with this form of communication tend to express and feel love through the giving of gifts. 

Next is Quality Time. The psychology behind this expression of love has an emphasis on quality over quantity. Chapman explains, “Quality time is giving someone your undivided attention. I don’t mean sitting on the couch watching television. I mean sitting on the couch with the TV off, looking at each other and talking.” This is also important to express within your non-romantic relationships. The third one is Physical Touch. Touch is the first language we use to communicate as infants, and it plays a critical role in social and behavioral development. Tactile physical affection is highly correlated with overall relationship and partner satisfaction. Moreover, conflict resolution is easier with more physical affection including hugging, cuddling/holding, and kissing on the lips.”

Next on the list is Words of Affirmation. This entails verbal communication that is encouraging, affirmative, active, and appreciative. We can express words of affirmation through spoken and written messages, which show our love to others. sing affirmative words like “love," “peace," and “loving-kindness,” improve our brain functions-- resulting in increased cognitive reasoning and strengthened frontal lobes. Lastly, Acts of Service. Chapman describes acts of service (2009) as, “doing something for your spouse that you know they would like for you to do.”

The world could use more love and less hate. Let’s all spread the love today!