Effectively Expressing Love

Valentine's Day is for love and deepening connections. Understanding how love is communicated and received could revolutionize Valentine’s Day and your relationships! The five love languages, a theory founded by Dr. Gary Chapman in his book The 5 Love Languages, is the idea that people have different ways of expressing and receiving love. When implemented, this can strengthen your relationship with your partner or child and enhance their emotional well-being. Pay attention to how your loved ones show love, or ask how they like to receive love. Use this to identify the following love languages.

Words of Affirmation
People with this love language value verbal expressions of love, respect, appreciation, and compliments. For adults, phrases like "I love you," "I appreciate you," or “I’m blessed by you,” make them feel loved and appreciated. For your child, tell them that you love them often and that they are special to you, praise their efforts, and avoid harsh criticism. 

Acts of Service
For people in this category, actions resonate. Put effort into helping your loved one and making their life easier. Helping with a small or large task will help them to feel valued. This includes offering help with a project, making their favorite meal, cleaning out their car, or bringing them coffee. Helping children with a difficult chore, packing their favorite snack, or building them a fort means the world to them.

Quality Time
Some people feel most loved when they have your undivided attention. This shows your loved ones that they are a priority. Spending time together through conversation, shared activities, or simply being present, can make someone with this love language feel truly connected. For your partner, this would include cooking a meal together, regular dates, or a weekend getaway. For your child, this could mean playing a game, going camping, or doing a craft together.

Receiving Gifts
This love language is based on the thoughtfulness of a gift, not on its material value. A meaningful gift can make someone feel important and show that you understand their interests. For adults, this includes gifts associated with favorite hobbies or a gift celebrating an accomplishment. For your child, this could be something like a new book, toy, or game.

Physical Touch
For this person, love is expressed through holding hands, sitting close, hugging, and other forms of physical affection.  For your child, it could mean hugging them, brushing their hair, holding and rocking them. This creates a feeling of intimacy and a warm bond.

Love should be expressed regularly, not just on special occasions like Valentine’s Day. Love expressed is only as good as it can be understood and received. Speak to the heart. Speak to those you love most through their love language.