Love Me Do
Suhani Hirpara
Vedika Basu
Love. A word that makes your heart flutter. A word that makes you see the world through rose-
tinted glasses. Love, to some, is a feeling of satisfaction and completeness. While to others, it is a
feeling of passion and affection- a pure connection between souls. This connection is felt by each
one of us. Love does not only have to be between two soul mates, but it can also be between two
friends, between a mother and daughter, between siblings. All that we need is someone to love.
Besides, love is a unique feeling to all. Similarly, the way people express this feeling towards
one another is also unique. While some express it through words, others express it through
actions. Besides, there is no one right way of expressing love- there are many different love
languages.
Love language is vital because it is a way to express your appreciation and love towards your
loved one. Besides, each of us has emotional needs; thus, it is essential to know your love
language to facilitate communication between one another. It is essential to express your love,
but it is also vital to understand how your partner expresses their love. This unique thinking of
different love languages was encouraged by Dr Gary Chapman through his book of "The 5 love
languages". In this book, Dr Chapman explored the different types of love languages that people
express and receive, yet fail to understand:
Words of Affirmation
Some individuals prefer to use words to express their feelings. They usually give verbal
compliments to show their appreciation of one another. For people who use this type of love
language, words of affirmation mean a lot to them. They can easily be uplifted by a simple "I
love you". However, they can also easily get hurt by negative words. It is important to know if
your partner's primary love language is this one. Your partner will always appreciate your words
of appreciation compared to your actions.
Acts of Service
While words are one way to express love, some individuals prefer actions over words. These
people believe in acts of service wherein love is expressed through little things. These actions
could include cooking a meal for your loved one or helping them with their office work. People
with this love language would appreciate actions more than words. Doing these actions
spontaneously makes them meaningful to your loved one- since they are not expected.
Receiving Gifts
Furthermore, some people might need more overt signs and an expression of love. This mainly
includes giving and receiving gifts. Your partner will appreciate gifts because, for them, it is the
best way to express love. Gifts can include bringing their favourite flowers or comfort food.
Besides, some individuals enjoy giving gifts too, if your partner showers you with numerous
presents- this is the type of love language they prefer. This does not mean that they enjoy the
materialistic things, but they appreciate the act of giving gifts.
Quality Time
Additionally, while words of affirmation, acts of service and receiving gifts portray love, other
people simply prefer spending time with their loved ones. For them, spending quality time with
their partner is of utmost importance. Giving the loved one your time and undivided attention
every other day can express love for them. This can include going to dates or simply watching
TV together at home. Time is essential in everyone's lives; thus, when you provide your loved
one with quality time- it makes them feel appreciated. Simultaneously, their sentiments can be
hurt if you postpone or cancel your time together because they feel that other activities are more
important than spending time with them.
Physical Touch
Lastly, above all things, some people are most impacted by their loved one's physical touch. This
could include hugging, kissing or merely holding hands. These people prefer physical touch over
gifts, words and other actions. Being physically close to their loved one makes them feel
emotionally connected to them. Everyone, at some point, needs this kind of intimacy and
interaction with their loved one. However, those who have physical touch as their primary
language prefer this above every other expression of love. Thus, the lack of touch can make them
feel unloved and unappreciated.
Every relationship works based on expression and communication. Every relationship is unique
and distinctive- thus, it is essential to understand the importance of love language in your relationship. Understanding how your loved one expresses their love can help you create a strong bond with one another. Lastly, there is nothing wrong with expressing love in a way that has not been normalised by society. There is no one right manual to understand the expression of love. Expression is about feeling a connection like no other. As long as your loved one understands the
love you give and receive.
