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If you are looking to communicate your love in a way that your partner will truly acknowledge, here are five love languages to add depth to a relationship

Five love languages to help strengthen your relationship with your partner

Do you believe in acts of service or words of affirmation for expressing your love? We list five ways that will go a long way in strengthening your relationship

Speaking the same language’ is a phrase often used in conjunction with healthy, lasting relationships. However, modern psychology has proven that each person has unique ways of giving and receiving love. The ultimate goal, then, doesn’t become about mirroring your partner’s preferred language of love but rather, understanding what their emotional needs are in a relationship and how they choose to express their affection and appreciation.  

For marriage counsellor Dr Gary Chapman, the pursuit of answers led him to writing the international bestseller, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. Since its initial release in 1992, the book has served as the golden standard for the framework of love languages. “After a lifetime of counseling, being married, and raising two children, I can tell you from experience that very few of us know how to do so in ways that are truly meaningful to our loved ones. Whatever season you find yourself in, I want to give you the confidence you need to connect profoundly with the ones you care for," says Chapman in a blurb on his official website that offers couples the chance to take a guided quiz for discovering their love language.

By investing time in understanding your as well as your partner’s love language, you will be able to lay down the foundation for a relationship that goes the distance. Image: Pexels

By investing time in understanding your as well as your partner’s love language, you will be able to lay down the foundation for a relationship that goes the distance. Image: Pexels

Modern psychology has proven that each person has unique ways of giving and receiving love. Image: Pexels

Modern psychology has proven that each person has unique ways of giving and receiving love. Image: Pexels

If you are looking to communicate your love and appreciation in a way that your partner will truly acknowledge, relationship expert Shahzeen Shivdasani offers the five love languages and how they can be used to add depth to a relationship. 

Quality time

Quality time as a love language means spending time with your partner alone, where you can bond and give them your undivided attention. This can mean going on dates, doing an activity together, or going on holidays together. This can deepen your bond by making your partner feel heard and valued. It also creates emotional intimacy that fosters a stronger connection.

Words of affirmation

Words of affirmation are compliments for expressing gratitude and offering encouragement to your partner. This adds depth to your relationship because it helps in building each other’s self-esteem and creating a positive environment. This can help uplift your partner and strengthen your bond as genuine words of appreciation can be very powerful.

Quality time as a love language means spending time with your partner alone, where you can bond and give them your undivided attention. Image: Pexels

Quality time as a love language means spending time with your partner alone, where you can bond and give them your undivided attention. Image: Pexels

Gifting as a love language is when one expresses care through the act of giving and receiving gifts. Image: Pexels

Gifting as a love language is when one expresses care through the act of giving and receiving gifts. Image: Pexels

Physical touch

Physical touch involves using physical contact to express your love and affection towards your partner. This can include holding hands, hugging, kissing, and cuddling. Physical touch can deepen a relationship as it can make your partner feel cared for, desired, and closer to you. It also aids in building trust and creating a sense of security within the relationship.

Acts of service

Acts of service as a love language are displayed by expressing care through thoughtful gestures. This can be demonstrated by cooking a meal, completing a household chore, offering assistance and providing support. This love language is a display of thoughtfulness, commitment and prioritising your partner’s needs. It helps in the growth of a relationship, fostering a sense of teamwork that, in turn builds trust. 

It pays to note that the ways in which love was expressed during your childhood is what you might subconsciously gravitate towards as an adult. Image: Pexels

It pays to note that the ways in which love was expressed during your childhood is what you might subconsciously gravitate towards as an adult. Image: Pexels

Words of affirmation are compliments for expressing gratitude and offering encouragement to your partner. Image: Pexels

Words of affirmation are compliments for expressing gratitude and offering encouragement to your partner. Image: Pexels

Gifting

Gifting as a love language is when one expresses care through the act of giving and receiving gifts. This makes your partner feel like you pay attention and value their needs and happiness. Gifts that are thoughtfully chosen create emotions such as joy and appreciation, thus allowing a bond to grow deeper.

It pays to note that the ways in which love was expressed during your childhood is what you might subconsciously gravitate towards as an adult. By investing time in understanding your as well as your partner’s love language, you will be able to lay down the foundation for a relationship that goes the distance.

Also Read: Dating as a divorcee can be a frustrating experience

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