If you’ve ever tuned into Love Island, you’ll be well aware of the fact that an episode doesn’t pass without an Islander mentioning love languages.
“Ooh, what’s your love language?” a leggy blonde will ask one of the hunky men. More often than not, the guys have no bloody clue what they’re on about either!
The term “love languages” comes from a guide called The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, written by pastor and talk-show host Gary Chapman.
The general idea behind the term is that everyone gives and receives love in various ways. According to Gary Chapman, we all have a primary love language — i.e. a certain behaviour that we directly associate with affection.
If we can identify our own love languages, as well as our partners’, we are able to bridge those gaps to nurture better relationships.
Since its publication in 1992, 20 million copies of the book have been sold and love languages have become a universal guide for matchmaking.
Here, we’ll break down the five love languages so you don’t have to endure another episode of Love Island Australia in a headspin!
Unfortunately for Ryan — the Islander who has allegedly slept with over 500 women — contracting STIs isn’t one of them.
1. Words of Affirmation
People who resonate with this love language are those who thrive on unsolicited compliments and cute nicknames.
They also love being told how much you love them — there are extra brownie points available if you explain the reasons behind why you love them too!
Still, while words give them a boost of confidence, they also tear them down the most too. These are people who take insults and conniving behaviour to heart, so choose your words carefully whenever you’re in an argument with people of this nature.
Love Island equivalent: Complimenting another Islander on how good they look in their bikini, or expressing how funny they are (when chances are their banter is drier than the Sahara!).
2. Acts of Service
Acts of service are for those who really connect with the phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’ — they like to be shown love, rather than told of it.
According to Gary Chapman, partners who prefer acts of service love to hear, “Let me do that for you.” They feel love when their partners do things that make their lives easier.
For example, doing a household chore that they’ve been avoiding is taken as proof that they’re cared for and loved.
In contrast, they despise flakey people and half-arsed commitments, so don’t cancel plans with these folk!
Love Island equivalent: The boys bringing their chosen lady a (very average) coffee on the terrace every morning.
3. Receiving Gifts
For some, receiving a heartfelt gift is what will make them feel the most loved.
While a simple bouquet of flowers might do the trick, more sentimental gifts are often a winner with people who resonate with this love language.
Hot tip: Keep a list of gifts as the ideas arise because this group LOOOVE to drop some not-so-subtle hints.
Love Island equivalent: Giving your significant other Islander His and Hers bracelets when going exclusive — à la Jake and Liberty from Love Island UK.
4. Quality Time
People who thrive on attention usually list quality time as their primary love language. Above all, they love spending time with their special someone, whether that be on well-thought-out dates or just cosying up on the couch for a movie night.
These people will also feel extra special if you take the time to have in-depth conversations where they feel heard and acknowledged.
They’ll likely be hurt if they don’t feel like their time is valued or if it feels like their significant other isn’t listening to them.
Love Island equivalent: Organising a surprise date in the villa for you and your significant other Islander (fruit platter is optional!)
5. Physical Touch
Now, before your head is 100 per cent in the gutter, rest assured that physical touch doesn’t always have to be sexual.
Those who resonate with this love language adore anything that involves physical contact — think massages, playing with their hair and holding hands. It can even be as simple as playing footsies while you binge-watch your fave shows together!
A simple hug and kiss will never go underappreciated with this group of people so make sure you get your mack on!
Love Island equivalent: Cuddling up together on the sun lounges while you get grafting.
Tune into Love Island Australia 2021 Monday through Thursday nights at 8:45pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.
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