How 'The Five Love Languages' Can Improve Your Relationships

In his own words, here's how Chapman breaks down the five love languages in his book:

The five languages are pretty straightforward, but here's a brief description of what each of them mean:

• Words of affirmation : Expressing affection through spoken affection, praise or appreciation.
• Acts of service : Actions, rather than words, are used to show and receive love.
• Receiving gifts : Gifting is symbolic of love and affection.
• Quality time : Expressing affection with undivided, undistracted attention.
• Physical touch : It can range from having sex to holding hands. With this love language, the speaker feels affection through physical touch.

When you know what your partner does and doesn't care about, it's a pretty big eye opener. For example, for years, I've been giving my significant other small gifts to show that I care. I put a lot of thought into those gifts, and I loved surprising him. It would piss me off when he'd receive them and just say, "Oh cool, thanks," and then set it aside. That was not the reaction I wanted. By giving him a gift, I was saying, "I care about you," and "oh cool, thanks," is not a good reply to that.