How To Master the 5 Love Languages: 75 Creative Ideas to Show Your Affection

If you’re like me, remembering to act on your significant other’s love language isn’t always the easiest thing. We have different love languages, and sometimes I forget to express his love language, and instead, just use my love language on him. Best wife award definitely goes to me. However, it’s recently become a goal of mine to discover new ways to express his love language and to express it more often! We’ll see how long I actually maintain such a selfless goal. During my recent work with love languages, I’ve discovered that expressing his love language doesn’t have to be a chore, or just an item to check off my to-do list. I can make it a fun experience for me too! It’s a lot easier to do something if you’re enjoying it as well. So, I’ve created a list of ideas that would work in my relationship and hopefully, will work in yours! Let’s get into some ideas of how to express each of the different love languages!

Acts of Service

This one may seem simple but when life gets busy, how many of us stop and think, how can I serve others? Sacrificing your time and energy for the good of your significant other or spouse shows them you care. These acts of service don’t have to be huge, just meaningful!  

1. Do the dishes  
2. Clean the car  
3. Have dinner ready when they get home 
4. Run an errand for them  
5. Take the kids for a ride, allowing them some alone time 
6. Assist with work where possible  
7. Pay the bills  
8. Fold the laundry  
9. Make their lunch  
10.  Make the bed  
11.  Mow the lawn  
12.  Give them a backrub after a long day  
13.  Help clean the house 
14.  Genuinely listen to their worries   
15.  Encourage them in their hobbies and dreams 

Gifts

Gifts seem self-explanatory, but if you’re on a tight budget, you might wonder how giving gifts is possible. Fortunately for you, there are many gifts you can give that don’t cost a lot or anything at all! If you’re a DIY-er, the act of giving something that’s homemade might show additional thought, effort, time, and love as well. Here are some ideas! 

1. Write a love letter  
2. Make a dessert  
3. Make a Valentines card, even if it’s not February!  
4. Make a scrapbook of your love story  
5. Buy a new shirt  
6. Make a homemade gift  
7. Take them on a surprise weekend getaway  
8. Plan a staycation for both of you  
9. Plan an evening out  
10.  Leave a small love note in their lunch box  
11.  Randomly send a loving text during the day  
12.  Get the new book they’ve been wanting  
13.  Plan a spa experience, at home or at an actual spa 
14.  Plan a movie night with their favorite show and snack  
15.  Write them a love song  

Physical Touch

This one can be tricky if you are not a touchy person yourself. However, physical touch might mean the world to them! That makes the meaning behind your intentional physical touch even more special! 

1. Give goodbye hugs  
2. Offer a back scratch before bed  
3. Rub through their hair 
4. Hold their hand on your next outing  
5. Be more intentional with your physical touch  
6. Initiate touch more  
7. Cuddle when you’re sitting next to each other  
8. Greet them with a hug when they arrive home  
9. Have a cuddle session before bed  
10.  Brush their hair before bed 
11.  Hold their hand next time you’re having a disagreement 
12.  Perform a physical touch surprise attack on them when they least expect it (as long as that would be welcomed) 
13.  Hold a hug for longer than normal  
14.  Kiss them goodnight  
15.  Massage their feet while they tell you about their day

Words of Affirmations

Words are extremely powerful in any relationship, especially words of affirmation. Being intentional with your words and consistently boosting your partner up with words of encouragement and love can make all the difference.  

1. Leave surprise love notes around the house  
2. Start a gratitude journal about them  
3. Tell them how much they mean to you  
4. Remind them how awesome they are  
5. Send a supportive text throughout the day  
6. Write a love letter  
7. Send them a song that reminds you of them  
8. Write a “Why I Love You” book   
9. Give them a compliments 
10.   Reassure them during a challenging time  
11.   Express the reasons why you love them  
12.  Find new ways to say “I love you”  
13.  Express gratitude for their daily actions  
14.  Leave notes in their lunch box  
15.  Help your kids write notes to them

Quality Time

This one is very important and can be hard with how busy our schedules are. It may require more effort from both sides but always make sure you’re making time for your spouse. This needs to be quality time and consistent time spent together; even an hour day will make all the difference in the world! 

1. Schedule daily walks  
2. Put technology away and be present  
3. Have weekly date night(s)  
4. Plan an anniversary trip  
5. Go out for dinner  
6. Have grandma watch the kids for a night or two  
7. Eat meals together  
8. Go camping  
9. Workout together  
10.  Find a hobby to do together  
11.  Go on a drive  
12.  Have deep, meaningful conversations  
13.  Cook together  
14.  Volunteer together  
15.  Have a picnic

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Every person deserves to feel loved, especially by their significant other. Being diligent in learning your significant other’s love language and acting on it daily can make all the difference. Although it’s not always the easiest thing to do, it’s worth it! Let your significant other know they’re appreciated and loved! I wish you luck with learning to express their love language and I hope you have fun! 

Related Resources: 

Learning Your Spouse’s Love Language 

Express These 10 Compliments to Your Wife 

Expressing Love Beyond Words: 10 Heartfelt Gestures for Your Partner 

Nurturing Love: 10 Key Habits for a Thriving Relationship

Justin Fague reviewed this article. To reach out, please email healthyrelationships@usu.edu.