While the origination date of Valentine’s Day is unknown, the holiday was first seen as a day of feasting in honor of Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. However, throughout later traditions near the fourteenth century, Valentine’s Day became a significant commercial, and religious in some religions, the celebration of romance and love in multiple regions worldwide.
Throughout the years, Valentine’s Day has been filled with memorable experiences for loved ones – however, sometimes Valentine’s Day can be seen as a stressful time due to the inability to figure out how to show the person you love just how much you love them through gift giving – which is usually done the day of. Each person loves and shows affection differently, so how can you make sure you pick the perfect thing for your sweetheart?
Going by their love language. What exactly is a love language?
Love languages are the simple concept of understanding how couples and friends best receive and give love to one another. There are five love languages to explore and understand, which will help identify and understand your partner better this Valentine’s Day season.
1. Acts of Service
This is exactly what it sounds like. Those who show their love through Acts of Service enjoy doing things for others that may help in their day to day life, and those who receive love in this way enjoy things being done for them. If your partner tends to be most grateful for things like this, a nice way to show them your love is to cook them a home meal, do the laundry, or even clean the home you live in together.
2. Receiving Gifts
The simplest to understand. These individuals love giving gifts to show their love or feel loved by receiving something special by their loved one. If your partner seems to enjoy receiving even the smallest of gifts – listen to their conversations about certain things they may want – even if it’s the silliest of items, and gift it to them! Not only does this show that you’re always listening to your loved one, but you’ve also provided the physical symbol of that!
3. Quality Time
Sometimes all someone needs to feel loved is to spend time with undivided attention. This can be such a major thing for those couples who may have a busy home and work life and need alone time to simply discuss life, feelings, or even entertainment conversations. If your partner enjoys just getting to sit and chat with you, possibly find a secluded reservation at a local diner, or find a sitter for the kids for a night and bring the diner back to your home. Talk about movies, tv shows, silly things that happened that week, or your future wishes for the years to come.
4. Words of Affirmation
These individuals show their love by complimenting their loved ones or feel loved by receiving compliments. While this seems like a simple gesture to do and seems difficult to reciprocate as a gift – have no fear. While writing a nice heartfelt card about the beautiful things you love about your partner is always appreciated, step it up a notch with compliments for a year. Fill a jar with 54 compliments, which is enough for the year and more, and ask them to pull out one a week. Not only will this remind them each week about something unique about them that you enjoy – it shows that you took the time to sit and think of all the things you love the most about them.
5. Physical Touch
Cuddling and giving hugs aren’t the only things you can do for your partner that enjoys physical touch. Purchase a nice pajama set or a warm blanket – something that feels good to their senses. Spend the night in watching a movie together, walking downtown Paducah hand in hand, or whatever your heart desires! Plus, after purchasing a nice item that feels good to the touch – your partner can always remember the night you both spent together.
While there is no manual to perfectly apply these Love Languages to, since each person is different in taste, finding out how your partner receives and gives love the best can simplify not only the Valentine’s holiday scramble but also helps you appreciate and show your partner love daily throughout the years to come.
