Simple Ways To Speak Your Love’s Language
In relationships it’s easy to fall into a routine. Whether it’s saying goodbye before you go to work, or saying goodnight before you go to sleep, things can get into a fairly consistent rhythm. Though rhythms can be wonderful, they often start to fall into the trap of repetition, resulting in little zest or surprise in your day to day, often saving any affection for date night somewhere in the calendar if you’re lucky. An easy way to quash this fabled romance problem is to delve into how you and your partner communicate. Enter, Love Languages! For those who haven’t heard, Love Languages were created by Dr. Gary Chapman first as a book and now as a quiz you can take online. The goal behind the Love Languages in Gary’s words “is designed to help you effectively communicate love.” Check out the quiz here if you haven’t already:
We wanted to take some time to talk about the different love languages and how you can support your partner and the people you love in a language they know and appreciate.
Acts of Service
Driven by the appreciation of doing tasks for your person, some great ways to support your partner when they lean towards acts of service, are just that. Doing small things to make their lives easier like doing the dishes, taking out the trash, even making a meal or two can always be appreciated, especially when they have a lot on their plate. Even asking your partner what they need help with directly will display how much you’re willing to do for them and that you’re there to listen to their needs.
Gift Giving
This Love Language is all about gifts, not that all need to be wrapped in a bow, although that could help! If your partner is more passionate about gifts, taking time out of your day to pick up a coffee for them, buying an extra treat on your way home, even surprising them with flowers or something you know they love can be a great way to show you care. It’s not about the price tag, but the fact that you make them feel like they’re always on your mind.
Physical Touch
Though there are obvious suggestions to this aspect of Love Languages, something less so would be keeping general proximity to your partner. It’s said that you should always live in a house where you rub shoulders so you know you're never alone. The same could be said with your partner, touching their arm as you pass by or working side by side, if you can, is a great way to stay physically connected. It’s all about being in your partner’s orbit, never too far to be out of reach.
Affirmation
Giving affirmation can sometimes be just what your partner needs, whether it be giving compliments, or even leaving notes of encouragement for them to find. Affirmations don’t always have to be about what they do either, reflecting inward on what you truly appreciate about them, whether it’s their sense of humour or great listening skills. It’s important your partner knows that they’re seen and loved, and sometimes the easiest way to show them is to tell them.
Quality Time
In our busy lives it’s easy to get wrapped up in our appointments, work, phones and emails but nothing means more to your partner than putting that device down and having your undivided attention, especially when they lean towards this love language. Knowing that you won’t be distracted by everything going on in your life and be solely focused on the time you carved out of your busy schedule is truly the best gift of all.
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