Relationship Rejuvenation
Love Languages - Understanding how to communicate with your loved one
The book - The 5 Languages of Love: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman outlines how the perception of love and feeling loved is wildly subjective, every individual will attribute value to different expressions of love. Understanding the various ways we can communicate love can assist in facilitating or maintaining genuine connection with those we care.
We outline below the 5 languages and some of their attributes to help you understand your partner more easily:
Words of Affirmation - Using language to communicate and motivate well being in your partner.
Using kind words
Verbally providing encouragement and praise
Direct expressions of forgiveness
Quality Time - Focusing your space on togetherness and giving your full attention to your partner.
Quality conversation through active listening
Sharing and validating emotion behind experience
Engage in activities to enjoy each other's company
Receiving Gifts - Gifts are a tangible way to show someone you were thinking of them and wanted to express that intention.
These do not have to be high monetary value
Can be handmade or tokens of appreciation
Don't wait for special occasions!
Acts of Service - Making a choice to engage in a task your partner would like you to do, to please them.
Doing favours
Completing tasks that lighten their mental load
Following through with commitments to tasks
Physical Touch: Displays tangible affection, meets an essential biological need for connection and communicates emotional love.
Explore types of touch and ask your partner what is helpful
Be physically present at times of distress/crisis and provide comfort
Touch does not have to be inherently sexual and can communicate romantic connection