The Five Love Languages
All relationships require communication! Letting others know your love language(s) can help them understand how you give and receive love.
The 5 love languages is a concept developed by Dr. Gary Chapman that covers 5 ways of expressing and receiving love (Chapman, 2015). Although the evidence around this theory is mixed, love languages can be a fun way of thinking about how you give and receive love across different relationships including with friends, family, and dating partners.
Words of Affirmation
Open communication can help people feel safe and understood and secure in their relationships. This love language includes written or spoken words from others such as words of appreciation, verbal acknowledgements, and compliments.
Acts of Service
Actions can speak louder than words for people with this love language. Some may feel most loved or express love by doing tangible and intentional tasks for someone else. Even small, everyday tasks such as chores or running errands can be a demonstration of your care for someone and their time.
Receiving Gifts
Give giving is the act of giving a thoughtful item to someone you love. It is not about the monetary value, but the symbolic thought behind the item that makes it meaningful and shows someone that you care about them. Gifts can include flowers, a meal, or a handmade craft.
Quality Time
This love language revolves around feeling and receiving love through dedicated and focused time with someone. It is often more about undivided attention and active listening between people rather than just sharing physical space. Quality time fosters deeper conversations and emotional intimacy that can strengthen the relationship.
Physical Touch
As a love language, physical touch centers on feeling connected though physical signs of affection such as hugging or holding hands. For some, nonverbal expressions of love can be easier to communicate and can provide emotional security and comfort.
Did you know?
The Counseling and Student Development Center offers couples counseling as well? Your partner or friend does not even need to be a UHM student! Inquire about booking a couples counseling at 808-956-7927.
References
Chapman, G. D. (2015). The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts. Northfield
Publishing.
Impett, E. A., Park, H. G., & Muise, A. (2024). Popular Psychology Through a Scientific Lens:
Evaluating Love Languages From a Relationship Science Perspective. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 33(2), 87-92. https://doi.org/10.1177/09637214231217663
Killip, S. (2023, February 14). 5 love languages for giving and receiving love. Talk Twenties.
https://www.talktwenties.com/love-languages-give-and-receive-love-from-others
Mostova O, Stolarski M, Matthews G (2022) I love the way you love me: Responding to
partner’s love language preferences boosts satisfaction in romantic heterosexual couples. PLoS ONE 17(6): e0269429. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0269429
Nguyen, J., & Overstreet, K. (2024, September 20). What Are The 5 Love Languages?
Everything You Need To Know. Mindbodygreen RSS. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-5-love-languages-explained