The 5 Languages of Love According To Gary Chapman
We all know that there are thousands of ways to express love, that there are languages of love. As a result, it is likely that we have all dealt with someone who expressed love differently from us. However, that didn’t make his love any less true or valuable. And when we happen to meet people who do not seem to love at all, it is usually the case that they use a language of love that is unknown to us.
Like language, love has many nuances. That is why in 1995 Gary Chapman described the five languages of love that he believed to exist. He included both the way in which one expresses love and how one receives it from others.
Each person has a tendency to use the two languages of love they are most comfortable with: one to express themselves and one to make them feel loved. A person may prefer to express love in a certain language. But at the same time she likes to receive it through someone else. The five languages of love described by Gary Chapman are as follows:
1. Tenderness
Tenderness is one of the simplest languages of love as it does not require words. People who prefer this language enjoy being touched and hugged. You feel comforted in the arms of others or by holding hands.
It is the predominant language of love for children. Children find it comforting to be held or carried. They also enjoy being massaged or sitting on an adult’s lap. Other children, especially primary school boys, who enjoy this kind of love, might express it in a special way: through fighting, wrestling, soccer, or basketball. Nevertheless, there is still physical contact that gives them the feeling of being loved and cared for.
2. Praise and recognition
People who prefer this language of love form a group that needs words of affection and compliments. These people are happy when they hear or read words of appreciation that come from the heart. Love letters are one of these expressions of love. If praise and recognition is one of your languages of love, you like to encourage people with your words.
Words have an incredible impact on us. They leave their mark on our behavior, even if it only takes seconds to pronounce the words. We need to recognize the power we wield through this language of love.
3. Togetherness
By making time for the people we love, we are expressing how we feel about them. It means finding time for togetherness in our busy schedule. Creating a conscious and enriching time to be with one person, body and mind.
What you do together is not important. What really matters is the person you spend your time with.
4. Gifts that come from the heart
Some people enjoy receiving and giving gifts. It doesn’t have to be a material or an expensive gift. It is important how well thought out the gift is. And of course that it is presented with love.
It’s about getting to know the other person better through small gifts. In other words, gifts made with love are a way of expressing love, not a pledge for later.
5. Willingness to help
A helpful person communicates their feelings by taking action. There are many different examples of how to cook a meal with love and take care of the shared home. Or to take care of the other person when they are sick. Actions, while simple, demonstrate love for the other person.
Now you know what the five languages of love are. Also, you can now see that not everyone expresses love the same way. There are all kinds of languages of love, and knowing about them opens the door to another world. A world filled with even more kind words, thoughtful gifts and warm hugs.
