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All of us are ready to shower our loved ones with love and appreciation. Yet, do you find yourself struggling to express your love that speaks to your loved one’s heart? If you find that this describes your situation, this article can allow you to learn more about the five love languages. In this article, we shall explore the topic of love languages in the family context, as well as ways to express love to our loved ones during the Pandemic.

What is Love Language?

Love language describes the ways that people receive and express love in a relationship. Knowing your partner’s love language and letting them know yours can help you ensure you both feel loved and appreciated in your relationship. The five types of love language shall be covered below.

5 Types of Love Language

1. Words of affirmation: Spoken words, praise, or appreciation (e.g., Saying “I love you” or giving praise to your partner).
2. Quality time: Giving undivided attention (e.g., Going on a weekend trip with your partner.)
3. Physical touch: Providing physical affection (e.g., Holding hands with your partner while walking).
4. Acts of service: Doing nice things for them (e.g., Running the errands for your partner).
5. Receiving gifts: Putting in time, thought and effort into the gift (e.g., Surprising your partner with a meaningful gift).

Benefits of Understanding Love Language

We all express and receive love differently depending on the type of love language we prefer. Consequently, understanding those differences can bring many benefits such as bettering yourself and improving your relationship with your partner.

Here are some ways that understanding love languages can benefit your daily life and relationships:

1. Promotes selflessness: Helps you focus on another person’s needs rather than your own.
2. Creates empathy: Helps you understand what makes another person feel significant and loved.
3. Aids personal growth: Helps you grow and change by loving others that may be outside your comfort zone.
4. Maintains intimacy: Helps you connect with one another in deeper and more meaningful ways.

Expressing Love to Cancer Fighters

Did you know that love languages could also apply to non-romantic relationships? This can be entirely helpful for caregivers caring for loved ones affected by cancer as for cancer fighters, just being there for them and supporting them is extremely important. Hence, understanding their love languages can help you express your love from your heart and support them through their cancer journey.

Let’s dive deeper into how we can apply our understanding of love languages to cancer fighters to support them best as we can!

1. Words of affirmation: Regular texting or physical check-ins to provide affirming words and validation (e.g., Compliment them on their strengths)
2. Quality time: Regardless of the activity, spend time together by being present and listening, not being distracted by work (e.g., Being present and supporting them during treatment and recovery).
3. Physical touch: Non-romantic forms of touch that can show you care, you’re there, and you’re listening (e.g., Holding hands/ hugging after completing their treatment).
4. Acts of service: Let them know that you will be there to support them by showing up when they need you (e.g., Cooking a nutritious meal for them).
5. Receiving gifts: Giving a gift to show that you are thinking of them and supporting them (e.g., Giving a gift to celebrate the progress of their treatment).

Social Distancing Love Languages

The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented many of us from comforting and supporting our friends, family members, and partners in the ways we normally would.

However, despite restrictions to socially distance ourselves from others, it is still important for us to figure out how to effectively give and receive support during this trying time. The following are some examples to communicate the respective love languages at safe distancing:

1. Words of affirmation: A thoughtful message via text or handwritten note can make loved ones feel considered and valued.
2. Quality time: Set time aside from your schedule to connect with loved ones by calling or video chatting.
3. Physical touch: Use virtual platforms to recreate in-person experience and focus on the virtual presence of loved ones.
4. Acts of service: Show support from a distance by sending a friend home cooked meals at their doorstep.
5. Receiving gifts: Giving small handmade gifts or ordering a gift online. The important thing is to give something thoughtful.

In a Nutshell…

Love language can enable us to express love to our loved ones in different ways and across various contexts. Expressing love can be free and doesn’t have to be confined to any one convention. We hope that this article has been helpful for you in expressing love to your loved ones in multiple ways!

About 365 Cancer Prevention Society Counselling team: 365CPS Counseling team offers professional psychological and emotional support to enhance the wellbeing of individuals, caregivers, and families. If you require any support, you may set up an appointment with us via this link.