Although you may already know that one-on-one time is incredibly important within a relationship, you may not realize that quality time is one of the 5 love languages.
Quality time is often seen as a way to strengthen a relationship. Giving each other your undivided attention can be a great way to communicate, focus on your relationship, and even avoid conflict.
But when life is busy, how can you protect your quality time to ensure both you and your partner always feel loved? Here we will look at what the quality time love language is, and simple ways you can dedicate valuable time to each other.
What are the 5 Love Languages?
The 5 love languages were identified by Dr. Gary Chapman. Dr. Chapman realized that individuals within a relationship often have a preference regarding how their significant other expresses love.
The 5 love languages are:
- Quality Time
- Words of Affirmation
- Acts of Service
- Physical Touch
- Receiving Gifts.
Most people will have a preference for one love language. If you and your partner are able to identify the way in which you each feel most loved and valued, you can both take steps to show your love in this way.
Making this behavioral change to suit your partner may reduce feelings of anxiety and help you both feel more secure within the relationship.
What Is Quality Time Love Language?
If quality time is the love language of either you or your significant other, you’ll need to be sure that love and affection are demonstrated by dedicating time to just the two of you. This might involve scheduling regular date nights or having phone-free evenings to give each other your undivided attention.
Quality time is a common language of love because by its very nature it demands that you and your partner make each other feel special. By intentionally reserving space away from your children, friends, or distractions such as email or the TV, you can focus on your partner and spend quality time reconnecting with each other.
Of course, modern life is busy. Kids, work, grocery shopping, and household chores can all get in the way of carving out quality time. However, if you get creative and plan ahead, it’s possible to create quality time out of even the smallest gaps in your agenda.
The Benefits of Quality Time Love Language
Don’t worry if quality time isn’t your primary love language or you feel unsure about which love language you best identify with. Reassuringly, there are very few couples who won’t benefit from investing in some quality time together.
Minimizing Distractions
Whether you have been together for decades or are in a relatively new relationship, it can be easy to let other areas of your life take priority over spending time together.
Even if you spend every evening together sitting on the couch, this is may not actually be quality time. If you are both sat scrolling through your phones, checking work emails, or immersed in a TV show, chances are you’re not connected with your partner. By the time you go to bed that night, you may barely have said two words to each other.
Quality time demands that you focus on each other, free from distractions. This is your chance to dedicate all of yourself to your partner, and to receive the same in return.
Being Present
Simply being together physically on the couch isn’t enough. Setting aside some quality time for the two of you signifies a real investment in your relationship.
Rather than switching on the TV or mindlessly scrolling, talk about how you can dedicate time to each other when you can both be completely present and free from distractions. Even the busiest of couples can find space for quality couple time.
How Сan You Include Quality Time in Your Relationship?
One of the most effective ways to make space for quality time is to plan ahead so you can enjoy quality time every day. At first, you might think this sounds unrealistic, but quality time can be created in the simplest of ways.
Eat Dinner at the Table
Sitting together to eat is a great way to reconnect and actively listen to what your partner tells you about their day. Active listening means paying attention to what is being said and reacting to it, rather than letting it wash over you. This is a great way to show your partner that you are present with them, and that you care.
Without distractions such as your cell or a TV show, you can maintain eye contact and have deeper conversations that help bring you closer to each other whilst you share a meal.
Time in Bed
Even if you’re busy all day long, spend 5 minutes chatting or cuddling in bed at the start or end of the day. Ignore your phone and focus on each other. If you have struggled to find time for each other, five minutes can be all it takes to recouple, alleviating any worries you might have about your relationship.
Walk Together
Quality time as a love language doesn’t have to involve extravagant plans. Even if you only have 15 minutes together, go for a walk around the block. Walking side by side can feel less intimidating than talking face to face.
Many people find it easier to talk openly about their feelings whilst walking with their loved one. Actively listen to each other and show compassion for any worries or concerns your partner has.
Final Thoughts
Quality time is a love language that allows a couple to show their love and appreciation by dedicating regular time and undivided attention to each other. Sharing time and simple acts can lead to a deeper connection, greater contentment, and fewer anxieties within the relationship.
Hannah England is a freelance copywriter with a medical degree. After working as a doctor for several years, she now writes medical and well-being articles. Hannah endeavors to empower people by providing informative content that allows them to make healthy choices for improved physical and mental health. Hannah is part of the LGBT+ community and an inclusion expert, allowing her to write copy that is relevant to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or identity. Hannah lives in a village in the South West of England.
Read more
