Love Languages Explained: What’s Yours?

The five love languages of ‘Quality Time’, ‘Giving Gifts’, ‘Words of Affirmation’, ‘Acts of Service’ and ‘Physical Touch’ are all special in their own ways showing the varied ways we express and receive love!

From Quality time to Words of Affirmation and Giving Gifts, it’s funny how humans love differently despite our similarities. My love languages evolved over the years and continues to shift through romantic relationships and friendships that I have, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly how I define love. With Valentine’s Day approaching, I find myself reflecting on how I want to be loved and how I express love to those around me. Through these experiences, I have discovered my favourite love languages!

Recently, I randomly took the love languages quiz, something many of us have likely done before! In past years, ‘Acts of Service’ ranked highly for me but now I have gravitated towards ‘Words of Affirmation’. Maybe that’s the English literature student in me who cherishes the odd love letter and sincere words of admiration by friends and family, like when they say ‘I’m so proud of you!” 

Words have brought me so much reassurance and trust, as all I ever want in my relationship is communication. Communication is at the centre of everything for me. I love telling my friends and family how much I appreciate them as words create a positive atmosphere where intentions are clear where in actions it can’t always be shown so easily. I’m not trying to convince you that ‘Words of Affirmation’ is the best love language but there is significant value in it for me! Words have a profound impact on people’s lives, and I enjoy giving compliments, even to strangers, to foster kindness and positivity! 

Among all love languages, ‘Quality Time’ remains my number 1 spot. There’s nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my loved ones. I find joy in catching up, planning outings and creating moments to look forward to! This love language defines how I express love- dedicating time to meaningful connections and making new memories. Living far from home in Cardiff has made me cherish ‘Quality Time’ more as I cherish Facetime calls and weekend visits back home as it allows me to connect with my family and my old friends. Beyond that, I love simply being in the presence of loved ones, learning their new interests, sharing the latest gossip and checking in on their well-being. ‘Quality time’ fosters these deeper relationships which has allowed me to make genuine connections.

My loved ones often describe me as very active and outgoing and thriving on spontaneous plans- especially for a sweet treat at Lidl! Moreover, I love engaging in new experiences, whether trying a new sport or pottery painting. The essence of ‘Quality time’ perfectly reflects my love for others and how I wish to receive love in return!

So, what’s your love language and why? Learning what love language you like to receive and the love language you like to share is so great for understanding yourself and your relationships alike!


By Monique Yabut

Featured image courtesy of Mayur Gala via Unsplash. No changes have been
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