As the New Year gradually progresses, particularly with identified resolutions, it is important to balance it up with efforts for a stable martital journey, knowing quiet all right that that is the fulcrum upon which other spheres of life stands.
Countless marriage books are published each year, and with the rise of self-publishing in recent years, even more people are putting their own words and thoughts about love, marriage, and relationships out there for people to buy, read, and hopefully benefit from. Learning the key 5 Love Languages ®, as invented by Dr. Gary Chapman can help you foster a happy relationship with your spouse.
According to Chapman, “Love Languages ®” are how couples express their love—and how they can ultimately heal and nurture their own relationships.
Just as people have different temperaments, preferences, and personalities, there are different ways people express and receive love.
1. Words of Affirmation
Verbally affirming to your partner how much you love and care for them is the marriage Love Language.
One of the five Love Languages for married couples, words of affirmation include receiving and giving compliments to your spouse and appreciating them, graciously.
It is a healthy practice to offer words of affirmation to your partner every day.
Here are a few words of affirmation examples :
I feel blessed to have you as my soulmate
You are very versatile/positive/energetic
I can’t thank you enough for your patience/compassion
Thanks for looking after my needs
You have the prettiest/most expressive eyes
Your smile fills me with hope and kick starts my day
2. Acts of Service
In the Love Languages ® list, providing ‘service’ to your partner, such as offering to take the kids out for the day in order to let you get some well-needed sleep, is one of the languages of love.
Offer to help your partner when they have a lot on their plate, or give them respite from their busy schedule with kind gestures like making them breakfast or ordering in their favorite meal.
Demonstrate acts of service like booking a spa or massage for them, and they would be thanking you later for the relaxation bliss you provided them.
3. Affection
Physical affection, such as hugs, hand-holding, kissing, and other acts of intimacy.
Give them your undivided attention, let them know you are listening, and especially refrain from phubbing them at all costs. (snubbing your partner in favor of interaction with your mobile phone)
4. Quality Time
Sharing time together during which you are mentally and physically present.
By spending quality time with your partner, you will make them feel most loved. Your significant other will appreciate the effort and determination you place into planning that time together, where you are mentally present and affectionate.
If you are not able to clear your mind of distracting thoughts or are unable to keep it a tech-free time together, you won’t make any headway in a relationship.
5. Gifts
Buying or making gifts for your partner to show appreciation is another marriage language.
Finding gifts for your partner can be hard, but it all seems worth the effort when your partner is touched by your thoughtfulness. The feeling of seeing your partner smile is unrivaled, and these gift ideas can be helpful in restoring the passion in your relationship.