When you show affection to your significant other, do you know if it's the way that they like to receive it?  Love can get lost in translation when two people have different types of love languages.  The five love languages are different ways of expressing and receiving love.  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 describes these styles of communicating love.

• Words of Affirmation: Those with this love language value verbal compliments, words of appreciation, verbal encouragement, and frequent digital communication (texting/social media engagement). 

• Quality Time: Those with this love language mostly adore when their partner actively spends time with them.  During verbal conversations, they enjoy active listening, eye contact, and their time is prioritized. 

• Acts of Service: If this is your love language, you value when your partner goes out of their way to make your life easier.  For example, bringing you soup when you’re sick, making your coffee in the morning, or running an errand for you when you’ve had a busy day.

• Gifts: You feel loved when people give you visual symbols of love.  It is not about the monetary value but the thought behind the item.  Those with this love language recognize and value the gift giving process, the reflection, choosing of the object to present, and the emotional benefits from receiving the gift.

• Physical Touch: Those with this love language respond positively to the physical signs of affection including kissing, holding hands, cuddling, and intercourse.  Physical intimacy and touch can be incredibly affirming and serve as a powerful emotional connector for people with this love language. 

Unsure of your love language, or how to support your’s and your partner’s needs when your love languages differ? Click here for additional support.