​Enrich Your Relationship with The 5 Love Languages

​We all express love and desire a level of intimacy in different ways. For some, receiving a gift can mean that your partner has taken extra special care to consider you.
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For others, like me, a simple act of service helps us feel appreciated and loved.

When my husband cleans out my car or runs an errand I did not expect him to, my love levels for him increase. When I validate or appreciate something my husband does for me or for others,  he lights up. 

In marriage, I’ve found it so very beneficial to identify my spouse’s primary love languages to help deepen our marriage in a meaningful way.

Here I want to highlight each of the five love languages with a few tips to help you find new ways to express your affection for the love of your life.

1. Words of Affirmation

If this is your boo's primary love language, they long to be affirmed and appreciated through words. Choose your words wisely. Aim to acknowledge their strengths, encourage them through words daily and express how you feel about them often.
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• Send an email listing your favorite qualities about them
• Thank them for something they did you may have overlooked
•  Hide unexpected notes in places they would find them through the day
• Verbally validate their feelings when expressed
• Spontaneously compliment their physical attributes or check in to see how their day is going

2. Gifts

Your lover may feel truly loved and appreciated through the receiving of gifts. Gifts do not have to be something expensive or large either. Gifts, big or small are appreciate by the ones who speak this language.
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• Simple: Pick up a favorite candy, flowers or take-out for your love
• Handmade: Make a collage, a special art piece or a handmade card to display
• Personalized: Have a sweet message engraved or a special sign to express your love
• Experience: Book a weekend golf package or spa for your special one and their besty
• Outside the box: Book a themed photography session for fun! (hint hint)

​3. Acts of Service

This love language is all about actions before words. Many people believe that an act of service has to be a grand gesture in order to be appreciated but that is not always the case. 
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• Cook a special meal if you're not the one who usually cooks or pack their lunch for them
• Run your significant others errands so they don't have to
• Give a back rub or massage without expecting anything in return ;-)
• Schedule a babysitter for a date night or some alone time
• Simply ask if there is anything you can do for them & then do what they ask

4. Quality Time

Give your significant other your undivided attention and intentionally set aside time with them. Those who seek this love language are all about being together. Free up any distractions that can take away from cementing your bond (turn off the cell phone and get away from work). 
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• Take a walk, go for a hike, be one with nature together
• Surprise your love with a picnic together (too cold out? Have one in bed)
• Do something they love to do that you typically do not do with them (as simple as watching their favorite show or going to a ballet together)
• For busy parents, set aside at least one day a month just for each other 
• Plan a special night in for two without any electronics

5. Physical Touch

Intimacy is an important part of any relationship, but if physical touch is your spouse’s primary love language, they may need to feel connected to you as often as possible.
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• Give an unexpected embrace while doing the day to day stuff
• Hold hands in the the car or during a movie
• Sit next to each other when you go out to eat
• Make that goodbye or hello peck last a little longer 
• Ensure physical intimacy is a priority in your relationship

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Find your Love Language by taking the quiz from Gary Chapman & let me know in the comments what you are or what ideas you might have for some great acts of love.

Featured Gallery:
Desirae + Joe McCauley at Downs Park, Pasadena, Maryland
Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography