If you are already stressed thinking about impressing the one you love this Valentine's day, there's hope! Chances are you have not considered that person's love language. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, every person has a way they express and perceive love emotionally. These include words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, quality time, and gifts. When our loved ones know how to speak our love language, we feel the most loved. When they don't, we may get frustrated. Here are some ways to celebrate love according to the love language your Valentine speaks.
- Quality Time
When your partner's love language is quality time, real connection is what they're after. That means put the cell phones away and give them some one-on-one, undivided attention. Skip the restaurant dinner date and dine in at home instead. If you know your way around the kitchen, you can stir up your number one dish. If cooking is not your strong suit, hire a private chef. Eating at home allows you to be more creative. Create a theme, light some candles, and throw on some of your favorite songs. Nothing says I love you like eating a delicious meal in a relaxed setting with great company.
- Acts of service
Help check off some routine errands from your sweetheart's to-do list. Get their car detailed, drop off or pick up the dry cleaning, wash the dishes, cook dinner, or get a babysitter for the night.
- Words of Affirmation
If your Valentine loves hearing how much you love them and why, you can't go wrong with a heart-felt, handwritten letter. Jot down what you appreciate about them and how much they mean to you. For extra brownie points, opt for a keepsake like a personalized book from LoveBook. You can express how you feel and include any inside jokes and special memories.
- Gifts
Although gift people might get mistaken for being materialistic, the thought and effort behind the gift are what truly matters. If you find yourself stumped about what to purchase take some time to consider what makes that person happy? What types of things do they enjoy doing? What are some special memories or times that the both of you share?
- Physical touch
If your lover craves physical touch, an at-home massage or gift certificate to the spa are great options. Also, cuddling while watching your favorite Netflix show or learning a new physical activity together like a self-defense class or dancing will prove to be a hit.
Not sure what your loved one's love language is? You can both take this test together to see what your primary love languages are. With this in mind, combined with some extra planning and effort, you can show that special someone they are loved and greatly appreciated not only on Valentine's day but every day.
