By: Seng Yang

Love languages are the different ways people feel loved. There are 5 specific types of love languages and most people respond to more than one. Here are some explanations of the 5 types of love languages.

The first love language is quality time. This love language refers to expressing love primarily through dedicated, focused time spent with your partner, prioritizing their undivided attention and presence above other gestures. People with this love language usually value spending meaningful time with their partner, putting away distractions like phones but overall just engaging in shared activities, conversations, or simply just relaxing together can be more important than grand gestures. Some examples would be: active listening, focus on quality not quantity, importance of one-on-one time, regular date nights, engaging in meaningful conversations, craving undivided attention, and asking thoughtful questions that carries on the conversation.

The second love language is physical touch. This love language refers to someone who feels most loved and connected when they receive physical affection from their partner, like hugs, hand-holding, cuddling, kisses, or other forms of non-sexual touch. People with this love language deeply value physical closeness and feel most loved when their partner initiates affectionate touch. Some examples would be: kisses to show love and desire, resting head or face on shoulders, squeezing hugs, slow dancing, and playing with their hair.

The third love language is gift giving. This love language refers to someone who primarily expresses and feels love through the act of giving presents, where the thoughtfulness behind the gift is more important than its monetary value, signifying that they feel most loved and appreciated when they receive a thoughtful present, no matter how small or how much it costs. The focus is on the effort put into choosing a gift that shows you were thinking about them, not just the price tag, as even a little something thoughtful can be greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe that this love language means someone is only interested in expensive gifts, but it’s more about the thought behind the present. Some examples would be: giving flowers, a book by their favorite author, a personalized item, a handmade craft, and a thoughtful handwritten note/letter.

The fourth love language is words of affirmation which is by far the most common love language around the world. This love language refers to someone who feels most loved and appreciated when their partner expresses affection through spoken or written words of praise, encouragement, and compliments, making them feel valued through verbal affirmation. People who have this love language deeply value hearing kind words, compliments, and expressions of love directly from their partner. The positive affirmations help them feel secure and validated in the relationship. Some examples would be: “I appreciate that you…”, “I love you”, “I’m proud of you”, “Thank you for…”, and compliments about their outfit, hair, or appearance.

The fifth and last love language is acts of service. This love language refers to someone who wants to be shown love through intentional actions that make your partner’s life easier, like doing chores, running errands, or performing small tasks that demonstrate you are considering their needs and want to help them out. People with this love language feel most loved when their partner takes initiative to do helpful things, not just saying nice words. To express this love language, you would need to pay attention to your partner’s specific needs and preferences to perform acts of service that are truly meaningful to them. Some examples would be: cooking meals, planning a surprise activity, preparing breakfast in bed, making their favorite treat, holding the door open, tying their shoelaces, making their morning coffee, or doing things for them without them having to ask.