What They Are and How We Can Use Them to Better Understand Ourselves and Others
All of us need to feel connected with and loved by our friends and family in order to lead healthy and happy lives. However, the way that we expect to receive that love and which gestures mean the most to us makes a world of difference in how we love others and how we love ourselves. Fortunately, there is a breakdown out there that can help us better understand how we best receive love. Let’s take a look at the five love languages and how you can apply them to your own life to accept love more effectively!
The Five Love Languages
The five love languages that people respond to include:
1. Words of Affirmation
Praise and appreciation go a long way in all types of relationships. People who respond well to words of affirmation want their partners to regularly praise them and let them know how much they appreciate who they are, what they do, and that they’re loved. The more regular the praise, the more loved and accepted an individual may feel.
2. Gifts
If receiving gifts is the way you feel most loved, don’t feel bad about it. Receiving a gift from someone can let you know that you are on their mind and that they know who you are and what you are interested in. Additionally, gifts don’t have to be lavish or given frequently in order for someone to feel loved. A little something here or there can go a long way!
3. Acts of Service
When someone goes out of their way to do something meaningful for us, it is an amazing feeling. Whether that is something as small as doing the dishes when we’re tired from working all day or going to the store if we don’t have the chance, all of these acts of service can mean the world to those who speak this love language.
4. Quality Time
Spending time with another person is a major part of any relationship, but some may take this to heart more than others. If you are a big fan of one-on-one time with your favorite person and you want their undivided attention when they are together, it is most likely that you are someone who values quality time above all else.
5. Physical Touch
Another integral part of most relationships, some respond best to physical touch, whether those are things as basic as kissing, hugging, or hand-holding or more intimate moments like intercourse. Those who are able to be in direct contact with the ones they love thrive when physical contact is made.
How Can I Interpret and Use the Five Love Languages to My Advantage?
Once you better understand what the love languages are, take some time to think about which one is most meaningful to you. Are you someone who loves receiving gifts? Do you love spending time with others? Do you like it when someone praises you for something you’ve done? Reflect on how others treat you and what truly touches your heart in terms of how they show their affection. Then apply it to your own life!
For the Self
No matter which love language you may speak above, take it and incorporate it into your daily or weekly schedule. Whether that comes in the form of using positive affirmations, buying yourself small gifts, spending quality alone time with yourself, engaging in more personal physical activity, or doing something special that you may not do often, self-care and self-love become easier to express with a better understanding of what you appreciate most.
For Others
Along with taking time to learn about what you love and how you can treat yourself, ask those around you what language they speak and how you can become more involved in their lives. When you take the time to speak another’s love language, they will be more willing to speak yours back!
Everybody loves and receives love a certain way. If you feel out of touch with yourself and with others when it comes to proving your affection, use the guide to learn more about the five love languages, which ones you appreciate most (and how others around you speak), and how you can incorporate those languages into your life.
Written by Dylan Buckley
Dylan has extensive experience writing a wide variety of content types across multiple industries. He has a particular interest in mental health and enjoys researching various topics to help people better understand their own feelings. He does lots of volunteer work with various organisations ranging from; preventing school violence, a grief centre providing counselling to help cope with loss and a chat platform that supports individuals with mental health issues.
