How to Show Affection

design: Gianna Lanfrank

The physical and emotional aspects of love.

by WAVERLY BRANNIGAN ★ NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Showing affection to those you love can span a wide range of actions and qualities. Some of the more well known ways to show love physically and emotionally include the five love languages: physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, and receiving gifts. However, even if there are aspects of “love language” displayed in front of you, this does not mean that it is always easy to show affection. 

It can be challenging to show affection for many reasons. Maybe you’re not entirely sure where you and your partner currently stand. Maybe you lack a little bit of self-confidence, or maybe you’re just not the affectionate type. Whatever the reason, there are so many different ways to show you care about the people you love, so there’s bound to be new techniques for you to try out and show your appreciation. Let’s start with a review of the love languages.

Physical Touch

Physical touch is pretty self explanatory. Physical touch can span from simple hand holding to a makeout session to of course, sex. Intimacy with your partner is one of the key ways to show your love for them. The little things like holding hands in public add an extra element to any relationship because quite simply, it shows you care and that you two are an item for all to see. Beyond the public eye, (or not), sharing intimate moments with your partner can act as a constant reminder that you love each other. So kiss a little more, love a little more, and your partner will thank you.

Words of Affirmation

Whether they make it clear or not, everybody likes to be reassured in some way. Telling someone you love them or you appreciate their presence in their life takes a minimal amount of effort, and can make all the difference in your relationship. This can be made even more meaningful through things like handwritten notes or even a few posts on social media… just putting it out in the open that you’re with your person and not just saying, but also showing that you care. 

Quality Time

Say what you will, but simply having someone to spend time with is one of the best parts of being in a relationship. You basically have a built in best friend, and making the most of trying new things together can be very rewarding. When things get busy, it's important to take time out of your busy schedule and set aside time for just you and your partner. There are a million cute date ideas, but that’d be a whole another article in itself. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and make new memories in the process with the person you love.

Acts of Service

What better way to show you love someone then making the effort to take a bit of the burden off their shoulders? It can be so nice to come home from a long day to find dinner ready, whether this be a five-star meal or a box of mac and cheese. Even simple things, like making the bed when you sleep over can show you are making an effort to help out your partner. Doing things for one another can show you care because even in the smallest gesture, it shows that you are actively involved in your partner’s life.

Gift Giving/Receiving 

Probably a fan favorite, gift giving and receiving should go both ways. Picking out presents for each other can be a fun activity, and can even be turned into a date. Of course, presents for holidays and birthdays and anniversaries are expected, but what’s the fun in just sticking to the norm? Picking up small trinkets that remind you of your partner, from a bouquet of flowers to a cool t-shirt at the thrift shop can truly show that your relationship matters and you’re thinking about the person you love. At the end of the day, remember that it’s the thought that matters, not the price. 

Showing affection is a two way street, and is all about both what you give and what you receive. To maintain healthy affectionate qualities within your relationship and to simply have a healthy relationship, making sure you and your partner are in tune with each other’s wants and needs are essential. Physically showing love and demonstrating love are different things entirely, but you need both aspects to foster a healthy and caring relationship. The next time you see something that reminds you of your partner at the store or you feel the urge to hold their hand while walking down the street– do it– and feel the love grow.