Have You Ever Wondered What Your Love Language Could Be?

A few months ago, a viral social media trend took place that attempted to gauge the depth of true love using a piece of citrus. Picture this: if you ask your partner to peel an orange for you and they oblige, it’s interpreted as a gesture of deep affection; if they decline, it’s seen as a lack of consideration.

We can’t reduce the quality of a bond shared by two people to the peeling of an orange, can we? Is this just another case of social media simplifying matters and missing the whole point? Let’s take a moment to peel back the layers and uncover what true love is all about, shall we?

While social media trends add spice to the discussion, they make us wonder what our love language looks like.

Love languages are like different dialects of love. Just as people communicate in different ways, they also express and receive love differently. Some people feel loved through physical touch, while others prefer words of affirmation. Some find love in acts of service, while others crave quality time. Understanding and speaking your partner's love language can deepen your connection and make your relationship more fulfilling. Ahead, relationship expert and author of the book Love, Lust And Lemons, Shahzeen Shivdasani talks about how to make the best out of your relationship by catering to your bae’s love language.

It Takes Two to Tango, Doesn’t it?

Ah, compromise—the word our self-love generation seems to shy away from, yet it’s essential for any relationship to thrive. Finding a partner who loves you is just the beginning of the journey. Throughout the myriad ups and downs that every couple faces, both parties must occasionally meet halfway. That’s the essence of a partnership. Of course, one shouldn’t compromise their core values, but a willingness to navigate challenges together is a true test of affection. After all, it’s not about sacrificing who you are, but rather finding common ground and working together towards a shared goal.

Trust is the only lifeline.

Trust is not just important; it’s paramount in any relationship. It serves as the bedrock upon which the entire partnership is built. When you have someone you can rely on, someone who consistently honours their commitments and respects your boundaries, it provides a sense of security and stability. When trust is your anchor, you can brave any storm together, knowing you’ve got each other’s backs. In essence, trust is not just a component of a healthy relationship; it’s the very essence that sustains it.

Do you have yourself a cheer squad?

Picture this: your pep squad, complete with pom-poms and catchy chants, cheering you on through life’s challenges! It’s not only about having someone to share your victories with; it’s also about having a partner who’s there to lift you when you’re feeling down. Being each other’s cheerleader and biggest fan will always ensure that your bond can thrive. Having a cheer squad by your side makes the journey of relationships all the more joyful and fulfilling.

How well do your forks tune?

Two people on the same journey committing to each other also need to be riding their bikes in the same direction. If you both are pedalling towards a different lane, your paths won’t lead to the same destination. The two of you must share similar values and core beliefs. It’s also very important to have a similar outlook on life. This is crucial for creating a harmonious relationship where you can grow together and support each other’s dreams and aspirations. Like tuning forks resonating in perfect harmony,  being aligned with each other will foster seamless growth.

Transparent doors are better than wooden, aren’t they?

Communication is key, but it’s often the most challenging aspect for couples to maintain over time. While you may converse frequently, not everyone expresses their emotions, even with their partner. Honest communication, where you can be transparent with your significant other about your needs and how you’re feeling, and willing to make changes based on how they’re feeling, is what truly keeps the relationship going. It’s like having transparent doors that allow you to truly see and understand each other, making room for deeper intimacy. Before we conclude on what love is truly about, let’s address the elephant in the room, well in this case the orange peel in the fruit bowl.

While social media trends add spice to the discussion, are they creating a deeper understanding or an unrealistic concept of relationships? We see couples posting picture-perfect moments, grand gestures, exciting travel adventures and seemingly having the most flawless lives. With this, we compare and miss the real meaning of partnerships altogether.

Behind every flawless post lies many unfiltered moments, trust me. The arguments, the misunderstandings, the tears, the makeups, the re-evaluating, the compromising—that rarely makes it onto our feeds. So where does the digital world leave us? Perhaps just by accepting that it is merely a light-hearted anecdote and nothing to use as a measure for relationships and their complex intricacies.

Commitment is not a one-size-fits-all concept that can be neatly packaged into a viral trend—it’s a messy, beautiful, and deeply personal journey. So let’s embrace the messiness, celebrate the imperfections, and cherish the moments that make relationships truly extraordinary.

Most importantly, let’s remember that healthy, true connections exist beyond surface appearances; after all, love’s true essence lies beneath the peel.