People in partnerships believe that opposites attract. While that is true, it is beneficial to be on the same page when it comes to love languages. How can different love languages affect your relationship and how to deal with it?
There are many kinds of love, marked by intimacy, passion, and dedication. However, as universal as love feels, its manifestations entail tenderness, closeness, protection, affirmation, affection, or touch.
Some conflicts in relationships are often associated with the couples’ understanding of these manifestations, often called love languages. While one partner may express themselves through touch, the other may feel that verbally expressing themselves is the best way to show love.
Understanding love languages is a big step toward establishing a happy and meaningful relationship that lasts.
What are love languages and how to understand them in a relationship context?
Different types of love languages
We all have the power to show and receive love through these 5 modes of communication, just as we all embody one of the 9 archetypal lovers. We may favor numerous languages, but based on our stage of life and previous experiences, we all have a preference for one language of love.
What are the five love languages? They are a way of understanding how we naturally give and feel love. They are:
- Physical Touch
Physical affection makes a person who uses physical touch as their primary love language feel cherished. They feel loved when their partner holds their hand, rubs their arm, or gives them a massage at the end of the day. They merely want to be physically close to their lover.
- Words of affirmation
It includes affirming affection with spoken words, praise, or appreciation. When this is someone’s primary love language, encouraging words, inspirational quotations, love notes, and messages are welcomed.
- Quality time
This group gives their attention to showing love and affection for someone in this love language. They will feel appreciated if their partners are there. This means enjoying some time together by going out or simply watching the Tv together
- Acts of service
When a partner does something kind for their significant other, it’s called a love language. An act of service could be a household work or task, an errand, or anything else that makes your life easier.
- Receiving gifts
A thoughtful present could show that someone is unique to their partner, and vice versa. This love doesn’t have to be materialistic; it could be as simple as receiving a good snack after a challenging day.
How understanding love language helps your relationships?
Everyone expresses and accepts love in their unique way, and knowing those distinctions can significantly impact your relationship.
- Promotes selflessness
When you dedicate yourself to knowing another person’s love language, you put your attention on their needs rather than your own. Instead of persuading your partner to learn your love language, you work to understand each other.
- Creates empathy
People grow to sympathize with their partners as they discover more about how they experience love. This allows you to take a step outside of yourself and consider what makes the other person feel relevant and cherished.
- Maintains intimacy
When couples talk about what keeps their love tanks full regularly, it leads to greater understanding and intimacy in their relationship. This can help you develop more profound and meaningful ties and a better knowledge of one another.
- Shares love in meaningful ways.
When couples learn to speak each other’s love language, the things they do for one another become more deliberate and meaningful. Part of this is because you can express love for your partner in ways that make sense to them.
Finding Common ground
Everyone expresses their love in their unique way. While you shouldn’t consider the love languages as gospel, they can be a good beginning point for better understanding one other.
- Express your needs clearly
Your partner, no matter how much they love you, cannot read your mind. As a result, unless you directly notify them, they will be unable to accommodate your needs. That is why you must talk openly with them and clarify what you require to feel loved. If they spend all of their free time at home, but you seldom ever do anything together, your need for one-on-one time may be unsatisfied.
- Accept your partner’s love language
Is it possible for your love language to change? While it is possible to speak your partner’s love language fluently after a long time together, it is not a guarantee. As a result, attempting to change a partner’s love language is never a wise idea. Accept that they may require a great deal of physical touch or gifts to feel loved. Instead of attempting to change things, you may need to learn to accept them as they are.
- Compromise
A strong relationship requires two people who are willing to compromise and meet the other person halfway. Giving and taking is an expected aspect of any relationship. If they’re willing to wear their hearts on their sleeves, you should be willing to do the same for them (even if it makes you feel uncomfortable).
The more we can speak another’s language, the greater our apparent ability to love grows and the stronger the bond. Keep the communication flowing and express your needs clearly!