Tell us: Which love language speaks to you?
The way love is expressed speaks volumes, but the right way to do that may depend on your love language.
This week, as we roll into February, you may start seeing stores stocked with roses, heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and large stuffed animals in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Oh yes, the day of heartache, heartbreak, and true love; or a day for relationship exploration, perhaps? The way love is expressed speaks volumes, but apparently there is a right and wrong way to do it depending on your love language.
According to Dr. Gary Chapman, a doctor of philosophy, there are five love languages, or five ways in which people receive and expressed their love. The five ways are words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. Chapman’s book, “The 5 Love Languages,” describes these languages in detail.
Words of affirmation is about wanting or expressing love through spoken word or encouragement. If this is your love language you appreciate being told that you are doing a good job, receiving kind words, love letters, or any spoken phrase that makes you feel valued.
Quality time is about spending time with your partner. If this is your love language you feel and express love through one-on-one time with your partner. You appreciate it most when they show you that they are taking the time to connect with you.
Physical touch is the type of love language that is expressed through physical affection. If this is your love language you appreciate when love is expressed through touch. This can include anything from cuddling, kisses, or hugs.
If yours is acts of service, you most appreciate nice things being done for you. You appreciate actions over words and being shown how much someone cares about you through actions. This could mean doing the dishes, picking up groceries, or cleaning. You feel loved when someone eases your stress by picking up the slack.
And finally, receiving gifts is most likely you if you feel most loved when receiving a present from your partner. You appreciate the time, effort, and thought that went into picking out something special just for you and you often cherish even the smallest of gifts for a very long time.
With Valentine’s Day coming up this may be your time to investigate your loved one’s preferred love language or take a closer look at your own. Tell us which love language you speak and your favorite way that it has been spoken to you. Take the survey below to share or e-mail us at [email protected]. Your response may be used in an upcoming Boston.com article and/or its social media channels.
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