Custom Valentines for each Love Language

How many languages do you speak? (insert pause for thought) You probably just mentally listed the ones you speak by tongue, but did you ever consider that your heart has its own language? You speak another language you may not have been aware of-- a love language. Everyone expresses affection differently and it has been categorized in an easily understandable way by Gary Chapman. If you haven't heard of Love Languages, or don't know which one you are, take the test at 5lovelanguages.com. Learning about love languages completely changed my relationships. I started noticing what language my family and friends spoke, and as a result, started adjusting how I expressed my affection towards them to deepen those connections. Knowing someone's love language can help you understand what they need in the relationship and also what you need. Identifying how those close to you express their love is important for you to receive their affection. Maybe they have been showing it to you in a way you have overlooked. Though it may not feel natural to you, it is important to make gestures of affection in their love language so they know how you feel about them. If you know your significant other’s language, consider these custom Valentine's gestures.

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Words of Affirmation

For those who value written or spoken expressions of love.

• Write a clever list of reasons why you love them.

• Ask them about their current dreams and feelings and express yours as well.

• Give them a sincere card expressing how they make you feel.

• Share your favorite memories from the past year with them.

• Give them a meaningful compliment about something they have accomplished or their best characteristics.

Acts of Service

For those who appreciate the effort of actions.

• Offer to take care of their tasks for the day (e.g. pick up groceries, walk the dog, do the laundry)

• Ask them what you can do to help them.

• Prepare a meal for them that they usually handle (e.g. breakfast in bed, make them a lunch or snacks to go)

• Take care of something that has long been on their to-do list (e.g. fix that broken something, clean or organize the ignored area of the house)

Receiving Gifts

For those who feel love through sentimental items.

• Treat them to their favorite sweet or snack.

• Buy a bouquet of their favorite flowers.

• Print and frame a photo from a special memory or trip.

• Create a photo album for them.

• Buy tickets to something they would enjoy (e.g. concert, performance, or festival)

Quality Time

For those who value uninterrupted moments.

• Spend a moment in a cozy quiet place with no TV or phones (e.g. a spa, cafe, art gallery, or restaurant)

• Take them to a place with sentimental value. (e.g. where your first date, kiss, or "I love you" was).

• Turn the living room into a picnic with their favorite snacks and drink (add candles for extra ambiance).

• Plan a weekend getaway or a day trip somewhere new for just the two of you.

• Share an active activity together (e.g. dance lessons, painting class, cooking lessons)

Physical Touch

For those who appreciate tactile affection.

• Spend time cuddling in your favorite spot of the house.

• Give them an extra long embrace.

• Treat them to a massage (oil, candles, soft music, and all!)

• Play with their hair (everyone loves this one).

• Take their hand while walking or chatting.

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Everyone is a mix of all of these languages, but you will find that some of these items will mean more to some than others. If you are not sure about your significant other’s language, ask them to take the test as well. It will change the way both of you work to support each other in your bond, not just on Valentines Day. Enjoy and let your day be full of love.