Everyone is different in how they accept appreciation and love. After a divorce, you might find yourself doing things for new partners that you did for your ex-spouse. Conversely, you might find yourself doing everything the total opposite. It all depends on your history and your situation. The way you show your love to others depends more on them than you, actually. Everyone has a different love language, a different way they accept love.
Love Language: Learning and Applying
Words of Affirmation
For some, just being told they did a good job is enough for them. With this love language, using small comments and words effectively communicates to your partner that you love and appreciate them. A small “this dinner is amazing” will go a long way for those who feed off of words of affirmation.
Quality Time
Uninterrupted time together is a love language most couples agree on. The idea of spending time together without the disruption of phones and emails is amazing. You can easily give this to your partner by just being together, enjoying each other’s company.
Physical Touch
Some people communicate their love language via physical touch. This love language is common among intimate relationships. When given physical touch, most feel secure in their relationship. Sexual intimacy is a part of physical touch, but the small things add up. A quick kiss before leaving the house or gently touching their shoulder as you pass through the room they are in are examples of physical touch.
Acts of Service
Acts of service are ways to positively express your love. An act of service could be picking up the take-out on your way home from work or making a grocery list for the week. This love language requires thought, time, and energy.
Receiving Gifts
Receiving a gift goes far beyond the physical gift. It could cost next to nothing, but the simple idea that you thought of your partner means a lot of them. This love language sounds superficial on the surface, but is actually an easy way to show affection and love. A small flower picked from the garden is a gift just as much as a new piece of jewelry.
Divorce is a fresh start. After a divorce, believe in yourself that you can effectively be a good addition to someone’s life. Learning to love again and learning more about yourself can be challenging. Learning your love language, and eventually a new partner’s, will help create a new, healthy relationship.