I was introduced to The Love Languages book as a teenager, and it has been something that I really connected with and have used ever since. It can be something that you use in all relationships, whether that be familial relationships, friendships, or romantic relationships. I think it is so important to know what love language your loved ones appreciate and respond to best (mine are acts of service and gifts, if you were wondering) 😉 When you know theirs and they know yours, they can make an extra effort to show love in that way, as it is much more meaningful.
With Valentine’s Day coming up, although I think that you should show love to the special person in your life all year round, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the love languages and how to best ‘gift’ that person. If your partner’s love language is gifts, then you’ll be good to go with most things, but for something like quality time, it could be a little trickier (which is what is my husband’s top love language).
Quality Time
People who appreciate this love language know that time is finite. They will see time as a priceless gift and when they are in relationships, what to both give and receive that. It isn’t just about being sat together watching a movie, though; the component of ‘quality’ makes all of the difference. Laughing together, good conversation, learning something new, and being focused on each other, without other distractions. So that is something to bear in mind. When you effectively focus exclusively on a partner who has a love language of quality time, you will help them to feel loved, appreciated, and respected.
How do you know if your love language is quality time?
One thing that you can do is to do the love language quiz online. But if you want to know if you or your partner’s love language is quality time, these are some telltale signs.
- You’re a great listener and one thing that you’re good at and love to do is to give other people undivided attention.
- You find it easy to focus, and aren’t easily distracted.
- You like to not be alone, and prefer to do most activities with other people.
- Even if you can’t be with your loved ones, you will always make time for them,such as video calls and connecting again when you can be together in person.
- You prefer to try something new or share an experience rather than getting a physical gift.
Here are some ideas of gifts that you can give to loved ones that aren’t your standard gift in a box this Valentine’s…
Afternoon Tea for Two at Harvey Nichols
If you want to arrange something where you can spend quality time together and put the phones away, then buyagift.co.uk is always a good place to look as it is all about experiences, rather than ‘things.’ My top choice this Valentine’s would be their afternoon tea for two at Harvey Nichols. We’ll be going to their London store soon for this and I can’t wait – love an afternoon tea, and it’s a fancy day out going somewhere like this.
Priced £70 for two people (champagne included, if you’re a drinker), is pretty reasonable as far as London afternoon teas go. The price is £50 for two if you miss the bubbles and just have tea, even more reasonable. You can also get £10 off your first order, if you sign up on the website. If this sounds like it is something that is in your budget, then I’d definitely recommend it.
Take a hike
If your loved one is a fan of being active and getting outdoors, planning and organising a hike outdoors (or other similar pursuit) can be something that would mean so much more to them. It would mean your smartphones are away, and you get to chat and talk as you go. If you have the time and money to make it into a weekend away, then it could make it even better; full of quality time.
Cook or bake together at home
Sometimes it is easier to just stay at home, especially with young children. But one of the key things that you can do to make it different than just any night at home, is cooking or baking together. Once the kids are in bed, get in the kitchen and cook something special together. It is nicer than one of you in the kitchen and the other elsewhere, and you can create something amazing to eat together afterwards.
Stay in a hotel for the night
When you’re at home you can get distracted with the usual things, such as doing the dishes and sorting the laundry. When you’re away for the night in a hotel, you can have some better quality time because you don’t have the ‘normal life’ distractions. If you are in a position to get away for a night together, then it can definitely be worth it.
The love language of quality time is about being in the moment, at the end of the day. When you do that, you have the chance to express love, more than whatever activity you have chosen to do together. New experiences can be great, but as long as you’re doing something that you both enjoy, your relationship will benefit. You don’t need to plan anything expensive or extra fancy, and even if you can’t be together in person, the wonders of modern technology mean you can still spend quality time together.
Have you got any Valentine’s Day plans? It would be great to hear what you think.
*collaborative post, but all words and opinions are my own.
