Love Language: Affection

The category of "Affection" or "Romance":

a. Touching.
Love can be expressed through physical contact. Eye contact, caresses, sitting near closely together, holding hands. This must not be done simply as preparation for sex or it loses its integrity as a way of showing affection. See Wheat, pp. 184-187, "Twenty-Five Suggestions for Touching". See Swihart, pp. 55-58.

b. Creating loving climates.
Love can be expressed through creatively finding situations which make focused attention easier. Walks, fireplaces, drives, picnics--making efforts to arrange these are important. Also, we can work on our own personal appearance as a gift to our spouse. Playfulness and fun are part creating romantic climates as well. See Wheat, pp. 84-95, "Romantic Love--The Thrill Factor".

c. Edifying and Blessing.
Love can be expressed verbally by expressing our love in strong, personal, accurate, and fresh ways. We must also find the strengths and gifts of our partner and communicate honest praise, appreciation, and thankfulness for him/her. This means refraining from harsh, critical words. We do all of this through words, notes, cards, thoughtful expressions on anniversaries, etc. See Wheat, pp. 190-191, "Nine Ways to Edify". See Swihart, pp. 49-54.

d. Giving gifts.
Love can be expressed through (often surprise) thoughtful, personal, useful gifts. Personal growth gifts (books, tape, records) personal comfort gifts (tools, appliances, etc.) See Swihart, pp. 19-26.

Taken from Love & Love Language by Tim Keller;
Ed Wheat, The Love Life.
Judson Swihart, How Do You Say, ‘I Love You’?