What To Do For Your Partner If Their Love Language Is Physical Touch
Knowing your partner's love language can be super useful in your relationship. The five types of love languages as established by Gary Chapman are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch (via Psychology Today). If your partner's love language happens to be physical touch, you may assume that you need to be more intimate with them
However, according to mindbodygreen, physical touch doesn't always equate to sex. As family therapist Kiaundra Jackson, LMFT, puts it, physical touch releases "'feel-good hormones' our body secretes like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin." Oxytocin is more commonly known as the love hormone, which helps with bonding. Your body produces oxytocin with simple acts like hugging, kissing, and cuddling, according to Healthline. So, you can give your partner the oxytocin they crave everyday with small physical gestures if sex isn't necessarily your thing or you're both not in the mood.
Focus on cuddling, hugging, and little gestures
With a love language like physical touch, simple hand holding can go a long way. Clinical psychologist David Woodsfellow, PhD, notes the importance of touch that isn't sex-related, because your partner needs "affection" as well (via Insider). With that in mind, there are a few easy things you can do each day to show your partner how much you love them.
For instance, hugs are super easy. Give your partner a hug each morning to start their day off feeling loved. You could also touch their arm when talking, which can be flirty and fun. Some quick physical touches are great for connecting with your partner in the moment; Lifehack recommends brushing a knee under the table at dinner or giving them a kiss on the cheek as you head out the door.
You could even keep physical eye contact when out in public, and cuddle on the couch when you're home alone. Just as long as you're letting your partner know you're physically there with them in the moment.