One of the many things that help strengthen the bond in a relationship is figuring out your love languages.
According to Dr. Tina B. Tessina, a psychotherapist says that “Understanding your own ways of expressing love, and your partner’s, and understanding how your expressions of love are different or similar means you know when you’re loving your partner the way you want to and when you’re loving your partner in his or her favourite way.”
So what are the 5 love languages and how can you utilise them to make your relationship healthier and stronger?
Words of Affirmation
This is something that can put to great use for a relationship with yourself as well as your partner. You can say I love you every single day to your loved one, however, words of affirmation take it that one step further as to include the reasons why you love them, why you’re proud of them and why they continue to make you fall in love with them. Some words of affirmation include:
- Thank you for always looking after me, especially when I don’t feel well/great
- You did such a great job today even though I know it was difficult for you
- I love you because you understood exactly what I meant and stood up for me
- You make me smile every day
Acts of Service
When we’ve been in a relationship for a long time, we tend to do things out of habit without thinking about the fact that we may be doing our partner a favour. Small things like washing the dishes because your partner looks tired, filling up the gas if it’s running low or even allowing your partner a few extra minutes of sleep in the morning. These things are so simple and so small yet can be considered especially appreciative in a relationship.
Receiving Gifts
Some people express their love through gifts – this doesn’t always mean a materialistic gift. Things like:
- a handwritten letter
- an old school CD with your partners’ favourite songs
- handpicked bouquet
Quality Time
When you’ve settled into a relationship/family, you have kids, a job and what seems like endless errands to run. That’s why a relationship can grow in distance with all of life’s obstacles. We always encourage couples to set a date night once a week/fortnight so you can have an especially romantic quality night together with no disturbances.
Physical Touch
Physical touch is another form of love language and can come in more ways than sex. Hugging, cuddles, holding hands and little massages are all forms of physical touch and an important one at that. Some people may feel especially loved when their partner holds their hand in crowds or in public, it can give them a sense of security and protection.
What’s your love language?
