Happy Valentine’s Day! In honor of the holiday of love, here are some of the best ways to spend time with your significant other depending on their love language.

Quality Time – If your partner’s love language is quality time, you can do a variety of things to dedicate time to them. From things like going out to eat together, staying in and watching a movie, or even just studying together. As long as you spend time with one another, the day will go well. Check out Kaitlyn’s story to find out the best date ideas specifically for Muscatine!

Physical Touch – If you have a partner who’s love language is physical touch, make an effort to stay close to them. You could greet them with a hug and kiss, if you are comfortable. Make sure you stay within your own comfort zone and stay conscious of the energy. 

Acts of Service – A person whose love language is acts of service enjoys when their partner does kind things without being asked. Some ideas for this one are washing their car, getting them gas, cleaning their house, planning a spontaneous date, cooking them dinner, and many many more. 

Gift Receiving – You want to make sure that when you’re giving your partner a gift, you know what types of the gifts they enjoy. Talk to their friends and see what they like. A general gift that all types of people enjoy is a nice bouquet of flowers. And also, everyone loves chocolate! If you know your partner really well, definitely take the sentimental route and get a gift with meaning. Check out Ninel’s story for a guide to the best Valentine’s gifts!

Words of Affirmation – When your partner really enjoys words of affirmation, the best route to go is to express in words how much you love them. A great way to do this is by writing a poem and/or letter. If you aren’t the best at writing, ask a friend or the internet for help! (Or you could ask the lovely Auroran staff. We can help you out!)

Specific Unofficial Love Languages – Some people wouldn’t categorize themselves under any of these categories. It’s become somewhat of a trend to describe situations that are considered to be an “unofficial love language” that don’t necessarily fit under any of the actual categories. These can be specific to couples, friends, siblings, etc. For example, the magazine Zinio asked its audience what their unofficial love language is. One response reads, “Quotes from the office. My sister and I can insert them so seamlessly into conversations, it’s almost like our secret language – or should I say love language.” Another user said, “…if I’m reading and you sit beside me and let me read without disturbing me, it means you love me.” Keep these examples in mind and remember that not everyone fits into the official five love languages. Let us know if you have an unofficial love language!

No matter what you or your significant other’s love language is, hopefully you gained some insight into different ways of showing your love.