15 Ways to Say I Love You Using the 5 Love Languages
Orlando Therapist Shares Different Ways to Say I Love You
Do you ever feel like you and your partner aren’t on the same page when it comes to showing your love for each other? Do you often feel like you don’t understand why your partner can’t understand how your hugs at the end of the day show them how much you love them? Or perhaps, your initiative to pick up the kids from school shows them how much you love them?
As a relationship counselor in Orlando and in honor of Valentine’s Day, I want to give you some tips on how to show your love in a way that they can hear you. Not everyone expresses their love in the same way so knowing your partner’s love language can improve communication and strengthen the connection in your relationship.
This blog post is adapted from the work of Dr. Gary Chapman’s book: The Five Love Languages. If you’re not sure what your or your partner’s love language is, there is a quiz at the end of this post for you to find out!
The 5 Love Languages and 15 Ways to Say I Love You
Words of Affirmation
A partner whose love language is Words of Affirmation needs to hear from you that you love them, care for them, and appreciate them. They need to hear that they are important to you. To deepen the connection, let them know why you love them, why you appreciate them, why you care for them, and why they are important to you. Sharing your love to a ‘words of affirmation’ partner can be done through a simple text, face-to-face conversation, or through song.
Some examples of Words of Affirmation are:
1. “I love you because you make me smile.”
2. “Thank you for thinking of me this morning.”
3. “I appreciate you because you ask me about my day.”
Quality Time
A partner whose love language is Quality Time values your undivided attention. They need to have you, to themselves, for periods of time to soak you in and feel your love for them! Connection is built through conversation and activity that isn’t interrupted by phone calls, TV, podcasts, children, or friends.
Some examples of Quality Time are:
4. “Let’s cook dinner together on Saturday night. No phones allowed!”
5. “I have been thinking about my career goals, did you want to hear what I have been thinking about?”
6. “Let’s sleep in Sunday morning and watch a movie together.”
Receiving Gifts
A partner whose love language is Receiving Gifts values the thought, effort, and time you take in gifting them something you think they will love. The idea behind gift giving is usually that actions speak louder than words. You don’t just tell your partner you love them, you show them by gifting them something of importance to them.
Some examples of Receiving Gifts are:
7. “I went to the store to get my favorite snack so I got you something as well.”
8. “I heard you talking about how your neck has been hurting so I booked an appointment for you with a massage therapist.”
9. “I saw your flowers wilting a little bit so I picked up some new ones for you on my way home.“
Acts of Service
A partner whose love language is Acts of Service values the shared responsibility of the partnership. It’s about lessening the burden your partner may carry and creating a more liveable experience together. Balance in the relationship is important to your partner.
Some examples of Acts of Service are:
10. “Finish up what you’re doing, I’ll make dinner tonight.”
11. “I cleaned up your paints from the garage. I know you were up late working hard.”
12. “Stay in bed. I’m making breakfast!”
Physical Touch
A partner whose love language is Physical Touch values your touch. The directness of intimacy with you means a lot to them. Physical touch can be anything from hand holding, giving hugs, touching their shoulder or elbow as you walk by, or a neck rub.
Some examples of Physical Touch are:
13. “I can’t wait to get home and give you a big smooch!”
14. “Come give me a hug, I’ve missed you today.”
15. “I’d love to cuddle with you tonight.”
If you’re not sure what Love Language your partner falls under, I suggest asking them what makes them feel most loved by the people around them. Come back to this blog post with their answers and see if you can categorize them into a Love Language. Then, take their recommendations and start showing them you love them in a way they understand and value.
Want to know your or your partners Love Language?
Other resources for healthy relationships
Anxiety Therapy Orlando with Valentine’s Gifts to Soothe the Senses
How to Validate Your Partner for Better Communication
4 Qualities of a Healthy Relationship
10 Traits of Emotionally Healthy People
14 Boundaries for a Healthy Relationship and 14 Questions to See How You’re Doing
Want to learn more about Relationship Therapy in Orlando?
Feel free to reach out to us to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about therapy at Mindful Living Counseling Orlando.
Mindful Living Counseling Orlando is a trauma healing center. Our Orlando Therapy Services include anxiety therapy, trauma counseling, eating disorder recovery, teen counseling, and healing from toxic relationships. At Mindful Living Counseling Orlando, we use a down-to-earth approach infused with cutting-edge therapies that go beyond traditional talk therapy so clients can heal at the root level and experience lasting change. Feel free to access one of our Guided Meditations to help you feel settled and calm now.
