In relationships, communication is key. But it’s not just about talking, it's about
understanding how each partner gives and receives love. That’s where the concept of
love languages comes in. Whether you’ve heard of them before or not, love languages are the different ways people express affection, and understanding yours and your
partner’s can transform the way you connect.
Recent social listening data provides an interesting snapshot of public opinion around
love languages in the UK. People shared both positive and negative sentiments around
each love language, offering a new lens through which to understand how these
preferences impact relationships.
In this post, we’ll explore the five love languages, why they matter, and how incorporating thoughtful gestures can strengthen the bond with your partner.
What Are Love Languages?
The concept of love languages was introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman in his bestselling
book, The 5 Love Languages. The idea is simple yet powerful: people have different
preferences for how they express and receive love, and understanding these preferences
can deepen connection and improve communication.
The Five Love Languages Ranked by Public Sentiment:
Based on social listening data throughout the last year, here’s how love languages rank
according to positive and negative conversations:
- Quality Time (32% positive, 13% negative)
- Acts of Service (26% positive, 28% negative)
- Words of Affirmation (23% positive, 18% negative)
- Physical Touch (17% positive, 31% negative)
- Receiving Gifts (15% positive, 18% negative)
Let’s break down each love language, how to express it, and what the data reveals
- Quality Time: Deepening Connection Through Shared Moments
People with this love language thrive on uninterrupted, meaningful time with their partner They appreciate moments where the focus is entirely on each other, free from distractions.
Why It Ranks Highest: Conversations about Quality Time received the most positive sentiment (32%). Many people highlighted how spending time together strengthens bonds and helps manage modern relationship pressures.
Negative Sentiment: Only 13% of conversations were negative, often pointing to difficulties in finding time for each other due to busy schedules.
How to Express It:
- Plan regular date nights or activities you both enjoy.
- Put away distractions (like phones) and focus solely on each other.
- Share hobbies, interests, or passions, whether it’s cooking, watching movies, or taking a trip.
Our Tip: Consider gifts that encourage togetherness, such as a personalized playlist for a cozy night in or a beautiful candle to set the mood for an intimate evening.
2. Acts of Service: Showing Love Through Actions.
For people with this love language, actions speak louder than words. They feel most loved when their partner takes the time to help out or does something thoughtful.
Why It Ranks Well: With 26% positive sentiment, many people appreciate when their partner goes out of their way to ease their load.
Negative Sentiment: Acts of Service also had a high negative sentiment (28%), with many expressing frustrations over un-reciprocated efforts or feeling unappreciated.
How to Express It:
- Help with household chores or errands without being asked.
- Surprise them by completing a task they’ve been dreading.
- Offer assistance when they’re feeling stressed.
Our Tip: Thoughtful, practical gifts that help ease your partner’s load, like a luxurious bathrobe or self-care kits, can go a long way.
3. Words of Affirmation: Expressing Love Through Words
If your partner’s love language is Words of Affirmation, they feel most loved when they hear words that affirm, support, and encourage them.
Why It Ranks in the Middle: With 23% positive sentiment, many people shared how a simple “I love you” or compliment can brighten their day.
Negative Sentiment: 18% of conversations highlighted skepticism around insincere or overused affirmations.
How to Express It:
- Give sincere compliments: “You look amazing today” or “I admire your strength.”
- Write heartfelt notes or love letters.
- Offer words of encouragement when they’re going through a tough time.
Our Tip: A heartfelt letter or personalized gift with a meaningful message can become a
cherished keepsake.
4. Physical Touch: Connecting Through Physical Affection
People with this love language feel most connected through physical closeness. Touch
communicates safety and affection.
Why It Faces Mixed Sentiment: Physical Touch had only 17% positive sentiment and the highest negative sentiment (31%). Many people appreciated the intimacy it fosters, but others highlighted boundaries or discomfort with excessive touch.
How to Express It:
- Give frequent hugs, kisses, and cuddles.
- Hold hands during quiet moments.
- Offer physical affection even when it’s not a “special” moment.
Our Tip: Products that enhance comfort, relaxation, and intimacy—like a high-quality
blanket or massage candles—can help foster closeness.
5. Receiving Gifts: Thoughtful Tokens of Affection
If your partner’s primary love language is Receiving Gifts, they feel most loved when given a tangible symbol of affection.
Why It Ranks Low: With only 15% positive sentiment, this love language was often
misunderstood as materialistic.
Negative Sentiment: 18% of conversations expressed concerns about the pressure to
spend money on gifts.
How to Express It:
- Surprise them with something thoughtful.
- Choose meaningful gifts that reflect their preferences.
- Leave a surprise note with a small token.
Our Tip: Consider gifting something that enhances intimacy and closeness, such as
beautifully packaged relaxation products or thoughtful keepsakes.
The UK's Love Languages: A City-by-City Breakdown
Love languages are a powerful way to understand how people express and receive love,
and it seems that across the UK, cities have their own preferences when it comes to
showing affection. From physical touch to quality time, each city has its own unique
ranking of the five primary love languages: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, and Receiving Gifts.
Let's take a look at how different cities rank these love languages, from the most to least popular.
| City | Quality Time Rank | Acts of Service Rank | Words of Affirmation Rank | Physical Touch Rank | Receiving Gifts Rank |
| London | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 2 |
| Birmingham | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Manchester | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Leeds | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Liverpool | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Glasgow | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Newcastle | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Nottingham | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Edinburgh | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Bristol | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Brighton | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Portsmouth | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Reading | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Sheffield | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Cardiff | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| Northampton | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Blackburn | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Belfast | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Leicester | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| Oxford | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
1. Quality Time Takes the Lead
It’s clear that across the UK, spending time with loved ones is a top priority. London,
Manchester, and Leeds all place Quality Time as their number one love language,
signalling a desire for connection and shared experiences. This could be attributed to the
fast-paced, bustling nature of these cities, where people may value the moments when
they can truly disconnect from the chaos and focus on their relationships. Whether it's over dinner in the heart of Manchester or a leisurely walk along the Thames in London, cities that prioritize Quality Time show a strong inclination towards meaningful
interactions.
2. Acts of Service: A Close Second
In cities like Birmingham, Liverpool, and Newcastle, Acts of Service rank highly, often
placing in the top three. These cities show that helping others is not just a way to express love but also a practical manifestation of care. Whether it’s doing something small like making a cup of tea or more significant acts, such as lending a hand when things get tough, these cities value the small but significant actions that show love through tangible support.
3. Words of Affirmation: Encouragement and Validation
Across many of the cities, Words of Affirmation hold a respectable spot in the rankings.
Bristol, Nottingham, and Blackburn show an appreciation for encouragement and verbal recognition. Whether it’s offering praise for a job well done or simply expressing love with a few kind words, these cities highlight the power of verbal affirmation in nurturing relationships.
4. Physical Touch: A More Subtle Expression of Love
Interestingly, Physical Touch seems to be less of a dominant love language, ranking
towards the lower end of the spectrum for many cities. Portsmouth, for example, places it at number one, signalling a city where physical affection, like hugs or hand-holding, may be central to how love is expressed. In contrast, cities like Oxford and Bristol rank Physical Touch lower, perhaps pointing to a preference for other forms of connection over tactile affection.
5. Receiving Gifts: The Least Popular Love Language
Lastly, Receiving Gifts tends to rank the lowest in most cities, but it’s still a part of the love expression equation. London and Glasgow, for instance, place it relatively low, showing that while people enjoy receiving thoughtful gifts, other forms of affection tend to take priority. This could reflect a shift towards valuing experiences over material things, as many people look for deeper emotional connections rather than just tangible items.
How Understanding Your Partner’s Love Language Improves Your Relationship
Each love language represents a different way of connecting and feeling loved. By taking
the time to learn and understand your partner’s primary love language, you can
significantly enhance communication and strengthen your bond.
Key Insight from Social Data: Love languages can provoke strong opinions. Being mindful of both the positive and negative sentiments around each can help couples navigate their preferences and find a balance.
Final Thoughts: Strengthen Your Relationship with Meaningful Gestures
Incorporating your partner’s love language into your everyday interactions doesn’t require grand gestures—often, it’s the small, thoughtful actions that have the most impact. By listening to public sentiment and understanding individual preferences, couples can create more fulfilling, harmonious relationships.
Remember: Love isn’t just something you say — it’s something you show. And knowing how to speak your partner’s love language is one of the most beautiful ways to do that.
