When it comes to displaying affection, there are five dialects—words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts and physical touch. Although they are different, they all translate to one distinct feeling —love. We each have a native language—which one is yours?
acts of service
The fresh aroma of clean laundry perfusing the air and arousing your soul as you return home from an exhausting day is a conversation of love. Acts of service top the list for lovers who’d go out of their way to show how much they care rather than tell you. It’s the little life-simplifiers that speak volumes for natives of this language.
receiving gifts
Lovers of this language treasure symbols of admiration in the form of sweet, thoughtful presents. Gift-givers and receivers alike appreciate the careful process of gift-hunting, selecting and presenting. An gift’s monetary value is never the token of affection—what’s truly prized is the thought reflected in the giving gesture.
words of affirmation
For lovers whose preferred instrument is the pen, a simple “I love you” or “you’re mine” can move mountains. Affirmations of love can be sweet nothings whispered into ears, generous paragraphs of adoration over iMessage or old-school love letters. Regardless of medium, speakers of this language value the weight of words.
quality time
While traditional dating may be gradually evolving into a thing of the past, some lovers still wouldn’t pursue romance any other way. Partners fluent in this language consider one-on-one time together to be the hallmark of their relationship. They take a special delight in beloved activities commanding undivided attention.
physical touch
Kissing, cuddling, hand-holding and sexual intimacy are compelling ingredients of a deepened spiritual connection. For people who have this lustful native tongue, getting busy in bed isn’t solely about obtaining pleasure—the whole experience of opening up boundaries communicates confidence and security.
words_gianna milan. photo_tiana torkan. design_giselle spicer.
This article was published in Distraction’s spring 2021 print issue.
