The idea that we all have different languages of love is one with which you may well be familiar. But did you know that it can also be used to help us to reflect on our own habits of self-care?
The principle behind the notion of love languages is that two people in a relationship – usually a partnership – will often express their love for each other in different ways.
So whilst one person may be more physically affectionate, another may show their feelings through the giving of gifts, the cooking of a good meal, or the completion of practical tasks around the house.
A recognition of these differences can help a person to understand that they are loved by their partner, but may not be fully aware of how that love is being expressed.
It may be that there is a need for a couple to bring their languages of love into closer alignment. But not recognising these differences at all can lead to feelings disaffection and neglect – basically a feeling of being unloved.
It can therefore be helpful in relationships to consider each other’s love languages to aid better communication and nurture appreciation between individuals.
Five languages of love are usually identified - physical touch, acts of service, the giving of gifts, quality time and words of affirmation.
But how can we apply these to our feelings of self-love? Well, rather than simply serving to identify ways in which we might already show ourselves love – this way of using love languages helps to highlight ways we can be more caring and compassion towards ourselves – something we often find so difficult.
This is well illustrated by the graphic above, which shows how insight around our own self-love language can generate a whole host of ideas for improved self-care.
We found this really interesting - a different way of thinking about our self-care needs.
Hopefully you will be able to identify ways in which you are already demonstrating good self-care. But just as importantly it might help to highlight ways in which you could care for yourself more.
And in this regard it’s always helpful to remember that if you can’t love yourself how can you be open to receiving the love of others. You need to know and feel that you are worthy of love and this great set of suggestions can help you on that path.
So what are your self-love languages and what more could you to do to show yourself some care and compassion?
For more information about love-languages in our relationships and for a quiz to identify your own preferred love language go to the 5 Love Languages website.