Love doesn’t just apply to romantic relationships, it also applies to friendships. All relationship dynamics depend on communicating each other’s needs, and love languages are a great way to facilitate this. If you’re not immediately sure what your or your partner’s love language is, there are some simple methods you can use. Read on to find out how each sexual love language is expressed.
- Words of Affirmation
Love by validating the other person through words. This means giving unsolicited compliments, telling the other person what they mean to you, or sending a text message to let them know you’re thinking of them. Hearing the words “I love you” is important, but hearing why is even more important. People who value words of affirmation need to hear you express how they feel, and criticism can hurt especially deeply. - Quality time
Sexual love focuses fully on someone when spending time together. This means being completely present, not just making an effort to spend time together. For people who value quality time, it’s not so much how much time they spend together, but how they spend that time that matters. If their partner is distracted when they’re together, they may feel ignored or unappreciated. Postponing or canceling special plans can be especially harmful to them. Improving quality time may require putting away your phone, having deep conversations, and making an extra effort to get interested in activities your partner enjoys. - Gifts
Love through gifts. People who value receiving gifts are not materialistic and value not only the gift itself but also the care and effort that goes into it. The perfect gift shows your partner that you listen, understand, and care. They are happy to receive small every day gifts like flowers, messages, coffee, etc. They take it very personally when they miss a birthday or anniversary or receive a hasty, thoughtless gift. - Helpful
Erotic love through practical tasks for someone This means doing something unsolicited, thoughtful, or helpful for your partner, such as B. washing the dishes, fixing the bike, or making the coffee. They don’t always clearly perceive their actions as signs of love, so pay attention to the little things they do to make your life easier. Slacking, not keeping promises, or making promises even more work are signs of disrespect. For people with disabilities or mental health issues, acts of service can be especially meaningful if they don’t have the energy to do things themselves. Being helpful is often a basic love language between parents and children as well. For example, parents take on the task of caring for their children, while children work around the house to help their parents. - Physical Touch
Sexual love through physical affection This doesn’t necessarily have to be sexual. It could mean holding hands, hugging, or rubbing your partner’s back. Someone who values may value more or have a stronger sex drive, but that’s not necessarily the case. If your physical needs don’t line up or you feel uncomfortable with sexual affection in public, you need to be very sensitive when discussing your boundaries. They may feel rejected if you don’t respond to or reciprocate their touch, but providing caring touches throughout the day shows your care and concern for them.
