How to Spoil Your Valentine According to Their Love Language
We have all been asked what our languages of love are at some point or other, whether it be when you’re out having a drink with girlfriends or on a new date. The concept of love languages was developed by Gary Chapman, in his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts in 1992.
Coming up to Valentine’s Day we look at the five languages of love, and how best to spoil your loved one according to their language.
Words of Affirmation
A love letter to treasure
People with words of affirmation as their love language value strong communication, frequent ‘I love you’-s, compliments, and words of encouragement. Words of affirmation make your loved one feel understood and appreciated. But sometimes it’s hard to find the right words to say, and sometimes it’s difficult to say them out loud. The solution? Write your valentine a passionate love letter. We’re not talking about a cheesy Hallmark Card slipped under a high school locker in an American teen movie. We suggest a handwritten note, on handmade paper – an expression of love and lasting appreciation.
Writing a love letter allows you to take the time out to really think about the reasons why you love someone, and the bonds you share. There’s nothing more special than receiving a handwritten letter from your loved one. There’s a reason why your mum has kept all those birthday cards you made for her all these years on! A love letter is something your Valentine can return to and read over when they need it. Something to treasure in our Archival Storage solutions.
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Gifts of Love
A personalised album
Gift giving is a beautiful thing, but can also be extremely challenging. Our biggest tip here is just to listen to your partner – what have they been talking about recently? Remember when they pointed that item out at the shop? It may help to keep a note in your phone dedicated to any gift related clues they may drop.
However, sometimes you just rack your brain and still don’t know. The perfect gift for the one you love is thoughtful, personal and heartfelt. Perhaps a photo album crafted by you, annotated and made your own.
Our Archive Album(TM) is the perfect item to get you started. The blank pages allow you to completely customise your layout, making it even more personal and therefore special. Don’t forget your archival pens, adhesive and card to help you along. We recommend using your creative skills to really impress your valentine; watercolour, sketch and journal. This gift is the perfect “Journal meets Photo Album” and makes it super collectable and loved.
Another bonus – our Archive Album is designed with the best archival products, so your precious gift will literally last a lifetime (and then some!!).
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Quality Time
Thoughtful plans & undivided attention
Lovers of quality time want to know that you are excited to be there and that they have your undivided attention. You can show your enthusiasm by asking them ahead of time to be your valentine (even if it’s already implied), and by sharing the location and time of the plans you have prepared, as an invitation. An easy way to do this is by writing them a card or leaving them a note.
Ideas to Share Quality Time on Valentine’s Day
- Find a fun activity. There are so many cool things to do. (Concerts, theatre or comedy shows, cooking classes, glass-blowing, pottery, painting class, murder mystery dinner – the list goes on!)
- Last-minute weekend getaway.
- Romantic dinner or date night
- Stay cosy at home, playing a board game or watching your favourite show.
- Cook a new dish together.
- Create The Perfect Future Planner together, such as Health, Finances, Holidays, Date Nights, etc.
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Connection through touch
They KNEAD a massage
Physical touch is an important element of every relationship as it can serve as a powerful emotional connector and can be incredibly affirming. Whether this is a kiss, snuggling up on the couch or holding hands, touch is a way of connecting and saying: ‘I feel at home when I’m with you’.
If you’re going out this Valentine’s day, book a venue that has an intimate setting such as a booth, or ask the wait staff if you can sit side by side instead of across from each other at the table. If you’re sitting close, it’s almost automatic to reach out and hold their hand, stroke their hair or give them a back-rub.
For those staying in this Valentine’s day, there’s nothing better than snuggling up on the couch together (we’ve all heard of Netflix and chill right?). Nothing says warmth and comfort more than being in your partner’s arms.
For those of you who really want to go the extra mile, gift your valentine a massage. We recommend setting the scene with a scented candle and your valentine’s day playlist (see Acts of Service). Massages are a relaxing and intimate way to say ‘I love and appreciate you’.
Acts of Service
Actions speak louder than words
If your love language is Acts of Service, you value when your partner does something thoughtful for you. This could be an act that makes your life easier, such as doing the dishes, or it could be an act that makes you happy, like going to a gallery or seeing a movie together. Acts of service tell your partner that you care for them and that you can listen to their needs. We have all appreciated it when our partner has made that chocolate cake for our birthday or gotten up early to make breakfast in bed before a big day.
For many couples, actions speak louder than words, so to make your actions sing, be sure to listen to your partner’s needs. If they are feeling isolated, you could surprise them with an impromptu dinner. If they are stressed there’s nothing better than minimising their workload: vacuum the house, pick up their dry cleaning, return that parcel they’ve been meaning to return for weeks. Acts of service can range from everything and anything to making your valentine a playlist, arranging the dinner booking, calling the parents, walking the dog etc.
Simple actions speak volumes about true love!