What's Your Love Language?

 February has long been known as the month of love, with people gearing up to display their affection to those they love with flowers or chocolate, but did you know that there are different love languages? People show love and receive love in different ways. I have recently finished the book ‘The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts’ by Gary Chapman. The book goes over what Gary believes are the five different types of love languages.

The first love language is physical touch, which is a bit self-explanatory. People under this love language enjoy being close to the people they love. They thrive off feeling their loved ones physically, such as with a hug or a kiss.

The second love language is words of affirmation. People with this love language enjoy hearing and speaking affirmations to others to show their love.

The third love language is quality time. This love language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention.

The fourth love language is receiving gifts. For those with this love language, receiving a heartfelt gift is what makes them feel the most loved.

The fifth love language is acts of service. For people with this love language actions speak louder than words. They enjoy doing things for others and enjoy it when others do things for them.

It is very helpful to know what your love language is and that of your significant other. For example, my love language is acts of service, but my husband love language is physical touch. I enjoy doing things for people to help ease their burden. That is how I show my love. I receive love best when others do things to help relieve my burden. My husband shows love by giving hugs and by being nearby. Our love languages do not mesh very well. It takes us both a lot of effort to show the others love language because it is not our primary language. Just as when you are learning to speak a new language, it takes time and patience to learn to show a different love language.

After reading Gary’s book, I went online and found that he has a website with lots of information and resources to help you learn about the love languages. There is also a quiz that you can take to learn which is your love language.

If you have a significant other, or even if you just want to learn more about yourself. I highly recommend reading ‘The 5 Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman.