Why is it important to understand the five love languages?
The five love languages explain and categorize the way people value actions that they do or receive as an act of love or affection. Understanding love languages is crucial because it will enable us to build enduring connections.
Before I proceed to explain how this is important, let us find out what these five love languages are:
Words of Affirmation. This is verbal or written communication that affirms, encourages, praises, and validates a person. Quality Time. This is spending time with a person to create quality bonding moments and experiences that make a person feel valued.Acts of Service. These are a combination of small and big actions and gestures that makes a person's life a bit easier and makes it known that they are not alone. Gifts. These are physical and material proof that a person is valued and recognized.Physical Touch. This body language and intimacy express affection towards a person.
It is essential to recognize what your love language is. Not all people have one love language, it could often be a combination of the above, but there will always be one that is favored among the rest.
Most often, your love language reflects your upbringing or childhood. The thing that we long for the most is something that we want to make sure our loved ones also receive.
For example, a child that grew up in a well-off household where parents are often working but always buys expensive gifts may long for physical touch, quality time, and affirming words. That same child might not feel the same excitement towards receiving gifts because it has become routine for them, or it might feel like a replacement for love. When this child grows up, he might make it a point to spend time with his girlfriend and let her know she is loved.
Another example is a child who might grow up with loving parents and witness them always helping one another when there are problems or many chores at home. This child may grow up with the same belief that to show love, you must be ready to help out or perform acts or service.
Now that you know what your love language is, you will know what it is you value most in a relationship. However, that is not where things end. It would help if you also recognized what your friends or partners value in a relationship. Once you know what they need, you will be in a position to determine how you can provide that or if you are capable of continuing the relationship or not.
Some people are willing to compromise by adjusting what they can do for another person. This makes them effective in carrying on relationships. However, some people may not be ready for this change or may not be capable or willing to give what their friends or partner need. People must understand that relationships are a two-way street. If they are not willing to compromise, they must find another person with the same values as them.
