The Five Love Languages Series: Physical Touch

This is the fifth and final love language in our series on Gary Chapman’s book The Five Love Languages, and it’s perhaps often misunderstood. Women see the words “physical touch” and automatically roll their eyes. “Oh yes. Guys always want us to speak that love language.”

But it’s legit – and it means more than you think.

It’s really referring to basic physical touch. Holding hands, hugs, sitting close together on the couch. Even the physical presence of another person in the same room is impactful for people who speak this language.

One of the difficulties with this love language can be found in public display of affection, otherwise known as PDA. (Does that term take you back to high school days, or what?) Some people are shy about holding hands or sharing a kiss in public. When you have a spouse who speaks physical touch as a love language, the refusal to hold hands walking down the sidewalk or to return a kiss during the rolling credits in the movie theatre can feel like a personal rejection.

It doesn’t have to be public to matter, though. It could be just wanting to snuggle on the couch to watch the latest episode of The Crown. Holding hands while you pray. Brushing shoulders as you pass each other in the hallway.

Avoiding physical touch for any reason in any situation sometimes feels like rejection to them. While some people (like me) don’t think twice about it either way, other people (like Joel) are really aware of initiation, acceptance, and avoidance of physical touch. It can be tricky to navigate if you’re naturally not big into cuddles or giving up space in your personal bubble, but it’s legit.

This week, be open about your individual views about physical touch. If you think you relationship might have some disconnect in this area, talk about how it affects your feelings of love or rejection. It’s always worth diving into!

*hugs*

Amber

This concludes our Mocha series on the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman! If you’re joining us for the first time, we definitely recommend heading back to catch up on the Five Love Languages Intro, as well as Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service , and Gifts!}