The Five Love Languages

Jabez Consulting
Jan 17, 2021
2 min read

What is love? What is language? What is love language? Why is this even necessary? The Five Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman, a New York Times bestseller, is by no means conclusive or exhaustive; however, it is extremely helpful in getting one to seriously consider how best to communicate to our loved ones and how to do so efficiently. Efficient, because if you keep shooting in the dark and hope something sticks, you waste a lot of energy and resources that you might have otherwise been able to use elsewhere for something more beneficial. It’s not conclusive or exhaustive because there’s no one size fit all way of doing things. There are many ways to say “I love you.” Not everyone loves music, so you can’t always say it through music. To someone, a simple smile will more than suffice. To someone, a simple hug will do. To someone, a certain look will tell them how much you mean to them. To others, a great meal provided by you will do. To someone, a big check will do. And so forth. We’re all different. And may have differing variations of the love language that speaks to us or our loved ones. The list provided by Dr. Gary Chapman may not be conclusive or exhaustive, but it’s enough to get one thinking and acting about how best to communicate to their loved ones. And that’s a great thing.

What is love?

Simply put, love is an affinity towards another or others. Expression of this affinity to the “another” or “others” varies and is not limited to a set order. This affinity can be defined by familial relations, religious relations, romantic relations, etc. All these relations have their own set order of expressions. However, certain expressions may be defined as universal. The Five Love Languages are such universal set order.

What is language?

A means of expression in that another may understand what is being communicated.

What is love language?

According to Dr. Gary Chapman, there are 5 universal vessels through which love may be communicated, in that the recipient of this expression will undoubtedly know that it is love being expressed. These 5 universal vessels are: 1. Words of Affirmation, 2. Physical Touch, 3. Receiving Gifts, 4. Quality Time, and 5. Acts of Service.

Words of Affirmation