The Five Love Languages

Love can be expressed in many ways. Dr. Gary Chapman argues that there are five love languages: Words of Affirmation; Quality Time; Gifts; Acts of Service; Physical Touch.
For twenty years I’ve worked with married couples, and this is the conclusion I’ve come to: there are five main love languages—five ways people express love.
It’s important to do it in the language of your partner. I believe that the ability to speak your spouse’s native language is the key to a long, happy marriage. Love doesn’t always disappear after the wedding, but to keep it, most of us will have to work at it and learn another love language. You can’t rely on your own language if your partner doesn’t understand it. If we want them to feel our love, we have to tell them about it in their language.

You try to show your spouse that you love them, but it’s as if they don’t notice. Perhaps you are just speaking different languages? Maybe your husband wants you to empathize with him, but instead you prepare a delicious dinner. Perhaps your wife wants to spend more time with you, and the luxurious bouquets you bring every evening are not what she needs.