Most of us have probably heard of "Love languages" and have taken the free test to find out what our Love Language is. Simply put, the test shows us how we best receive love from others. The five languages are: Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Physical Touch, and Giving Gifts.

Of course, this test should not limit us, nor does it convey that we can only receive love in one way. However, it reinforces that there are so many actionable ways to express our love or receive love. The love languages framework helps us to understand how we can express love to others.

Have you ever wondered what act of love would best suit a friend or family member? Read on for our guide!

 

Acts of Service

Is your friend/loved one constantly on the go and needing to run errands all the time? Or perhaps, they are in a situation that their time is totally occupied with other important things? Then, they are likely to feel especially loved when someone lifts their burdens and frees up more time for them!

An act of service can range from something simple, like driving them to a nearest MRT station, or helping them get the groceries on a busy day. It can even be specific to a situation that the person is in. For instance, if one is the main family member grieving at the funeral, they may appreciate it if you run errands for them—for instance, buying food for guests or taking care of the reception table.

 

Words of Affirmation

Someone who appreciates words of affirmation may likely be someone who also communicates their love verbally. Constant verbal appreciation or words of "I love you", "I really care for you" are common vocabulary for these individuals.

It is straightforward to show love to these people—simply, to convey your love through words. A note or card from you would elicit a strong sentimentality for them, and they will likely keep that small note for years! Of course, it is crucial that you mean what you say and write to them.

Words are cheap when we don't mean it. It is ideal to spend a moment to consider how we want to encourage or compliment the other party, and let your authenticity flow through the words!

 

Giving Gifts

The love language of giving gifts is not a superficial one. Moreover, the art of giving gifts displays that someone is willing to spend their resource of money on someone else. Furthermore, the thoughtfulness of the gift matters—imagine giving a vacuum cleaner to someone who has a Dyson! The practical use of the gift is a measure of how we have thought about the person, and considered whether they will need it or like it.

At Harmony Essentials, we specialise in giving gifts with a gentle touch that go far in displaying your love and appreciation for someone. Take a look at our shop to find out more about our floral customisations, gift boxes, and even our calming essential oils!

 

Physical Touch

It may seem strange for some of us to consider Physical Touch as a love language. However, this is in fact one of the ways we feel human connections with one another. Our physiological state would recognise that they are not alone and are in connection with someone else.

Physical touch is a love language that may not be as prevalent or "encouraged" in our conservative Asian country like Singapore. However, it indeed brings comfort when it is timely to do so. Something simple like putting an arm around one's shoulder or giving a hug goes far in an immense depth of grief.

 

Quality Time

Personally, we consider quality time as a universal love language—our most valuable resource is time and spending it on someone else is a significant way of showing you love them. Of course, it is not just the time or the hours spent with someone else, but it is the quality of it, as the name suggests. We must not settle for being only physically present with someone else, but emotionally and mentally available with the person when we spend time with them.

It does not even need to be an extravagant, planned day out. Conveying love can even be in the form of spending an evening eating dinner at the nearest hawker centre. Even so, you could take note of the activities that your loved one would enjoy doing, and take time out to do them together!