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Being in love is sweet, but what happens when we begin to fall out of love with our partner?
In the early stages of any relationship, everything feels rosy and exciting. However, as the initial stages of affection wear off, couples may start feeling like strangers to each other.
You may wonder why your relationship isn’t working anymore and why everything you say or do is taken negatively. You might even feel exhausted by the relationship, questioning whether you’re doing something wrong. Perhaps your partner isn’t feeling loved by you, or vice versa. 
This article will explore the five love languages, empowring couples to rekindle their love and build a thriving relationship.
Mastering the 5 Love Languages
Dr. Gary Chapman, a marriage counselor and author of The 5 Love Languages, states that “we must be willing to learn our spouse’s primary love language if we are to be effective communicators of love”. Loving your partner in their love language is a good way to demonstrate selflessness.
Chapman identified five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. However, some individuals have more than one love language.
Sometimes two individuals may even share the same love language. For example, your love language might be quality time, while your partner’s might be physical touch.
Here is a breakdown of Chapman’s five love languages:
1. Words of Affirmation
This is the expression of love through words. Words are powerful, and verbal compliments are strong expressions of love. Simple phrases like “You look so beautiful in that dress,” “That shirt looks good on you,” “I love the food you made,” “Thank you for loving me,” or “I appreciate you doing the laundry today” can have a significant impact.
For someone whose love language is words of affirmation, these phrases can make them feel truly appreciated. We all know the impact of positive words and how they can lift someone’s mood.
2. Quality Time
Spending quality time with your partner is not the same as being clingy. Often, your partner just wants to feel that you are present with them. Quality time doesn’t mean simply watching TV together, because then your attention is on the screen and not on your partner.
True quality time involves activities like going on dates to places you both enjoy. Doing things together or having intimate discussions while gazing into each other’s eyes. The point is to give your partner your full attention without distractions.
3. Acts of Service
This love language is about doing things to help your partner, even when you don’t have to. Small actions, like picking up the kids from school or helping with chores, can mean a lot to someone whose love language is acts of service.
If your partner feels happiest when you assist them in everyday tasks, this could be their primary love language.
4. Receiving Gifts
Giving or receiving gifts, no matter how small, creates a sense of attachment because it shows that the giver was thinking about you. Gift-giving is a major way to communicate love, as it demonstrates thoughtfulness and care.
5. Physical Touch
Physical touch is a major way of communicating emotional love, according to experts in psychology. It’s commonly said that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but for some, physical touch is even more important.
In his book The 5 Love Languages, Chapman states that “sexual intercourse is only one dialect in the love language of physical touch.” Physical touch, whether through hugs, kisses, or simple gestures, can make or break a relationship, as it communicates love or lack thereof.
Why It Is Important to Know Your Love Language and Your Partner’s for Your Relationship
Your love language is the key to your heart. When you identify and acknowledge your partner’s love language, it will help you speak your partner’s “language” and encourage your partner to reciprocate in a way that speaks your “language”.
But if you cannot identify your partner’s love language, you will keep trying to make your relationship strive. This might lead to feelings of being misunderstood and a lack of connection.
Your relationship will flourish when you know how to care for it properly. Each individual has different emotional needs, and finding this need and understanding it will create the emotional closeness your relationship may lack.
Is it Possible To Have More Than One Love Language?
Yes, an individual can have more than one love language. You may appreciate physical touch and at the same time love getting words of affirmation from your partner.
When it comes to emotional need, there’s no wrong or right what one may want.The heart wants what the heart wants. However, you can know what your love language is when you realize that you feel more loved when your partner expresses love in that area.
Can Love Language Change?
Yes, someone’s love language can change over time. Changes in Circumstances may change a person’s love language. For example, as individuals develop and mature, their love language can shift.
Also, when people gain more insight into their own emotional needs and wants, it may lead to a change of language. Understanding your partner’s love languages is a beautiful way to show your care and build a deeper level of connection.
In Conclusion
When trying to learn your partner’s love language, use all of your senses. It’s possible for someone to have more than one love language, and in some cases, a person may connect with all five.
Communicating in the love language your partner understands is key. Also, make it a habit to communicate regularly with your partner. You are not a mind reader, so don’t assume you know what they need.
Ask them directly and share your own needs as well. In maintaining a strong relationship, learning to speak your partner’s love language may be the intervention you need.
Read: How to Deepen Your Connection When You Have Different Love Languages
