Love Languages - Understanding how to communicate with your loved one

The book - The 5 Languages of Love: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman outlines how the perception of love and feeling loved is wildly subjective, every individual will attribute value to different expressions of love. Understanding the various ways we can communicate love can assist in facilitating or maintaining genuine connection with those we care.

We outline below the 5 languages and some of their attributes to help you understand your partner more easily:

Words of Affirmation - Using language to communicate and motivate well being in your partner.

• Using kind words

• Verbally providing encouragement and praise

• Direct expressions of forgiveness

Receiving Gifts - Gifts are a tangible way to show someone you were thinking of them and wanted to express that intention.

• These do not have to be high monetary value

• Can be handmade or tokens of appreciation

• Don't wait for special occasions

Physical Touch: Displays tangible affection, meets an essential biological need for connection and communicates emotional love.

• Explore types of touch and ask your partner what is helpful

• Be physically present at times of distress/crisis and provide comfort

• Touch does not have to be inherently sexual and can communicate romantic connection

Quality Time - Focusing your space on togetherness and giving your full attention to your partner.

• Quality conversation through active listening

• Sharing and validating emotion behind experience

• Engage in activities to enjoy each other's company

Acts of Service - Making a choice to engage in a task your partner would like you to do, to please them.

• Doing favours

• Completing tasks that lighten their mental load

• Following through with commitments to tasks