How ‘love languages’ has been helping couples for 30 years

It's a well-established therapeutic tool for allowing couples to make sense of each other, but now social media has given the idea of love languages' a real boost

Recently, my boyfriend and I had a check-in. He told me that he felt as if I'd grown complacent when it came to physical affection. I bristled at the accusation, but clamped my mouth shut, mostly because he was right. Truthfully, it's not the first time I've been given this relationship feedback.

When it comes to physical touch, my factory setting is awkward". But I am truly excellent at small, thoughtful gestures. Just two weeks ago I curated a care package for my partner, so that after a 10-hour flight for work he'd find a bag of liquorice, a pack of incense and a boujie bottled lemonade - all things he loves - waiting for him on the kitchen table. This tiny token of love wasn't ballad-worthy, but it's how I naturally show care.