A Northeast Georgia Wedding Expert’s Secret to a Lasting Marriage:
- insightmediamgmt
- Apr 23
- 8 min read
Understanding How Your Partner Wants to Be Loved
When preparing for a lifetime together, one of the most essential things to understand about your partner is how they want to be loved. While it may sound simple, the truth is that each person has their own unique love language—ways in which they feel most loved and appreciated. Knowing these preferences before getting married can be the foundation for a lasting, fulfilling relationship. Whether you’re planning a wedding at Chapman Hill, a venue known for its beautiful, rustic atmosphere, or any other location, one thing is clear: successful marriages are built on understanding and deep emotional connections, not just the grand event that marks the beginning of the journey. Here’s why it’s so important to know how your partner wants to be loved and how to ask the right questions before saying “I do.”
Photo - @photography.byjulien | Coordination - @lovelydayweddings | Floral - @floralbyvictoria_official Bar - @xclusivemobilebartending | HAMU - @hairbymicahsatterfield
Understanding the Importance of Love Languages
Many people enter into relationships with an idealized vision of love, sometimes based on movies, societal expectations, or their own experiences. However, real love isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each person has their own set of preferences, needs, and desires when it comes to how love is communicated and received. The concept of love languages, popularized by Dr. Gary Chapman in his book The 5 Love Languages, offers a framework to understand these differences.
According to Chapman, there are five primary love languages:
Words of Affirmation: People with this love language feel loved when they hear words of encouragement, compliments, and affirmations.
Acts of Service: For some, actions speak louder than words. Doing things for your partner, such as running errands, cooking, or helping with chores, can show love.
Receiving Gifts: Some individuals feel most loved when they receive tangible tokens of affection, whether big or small. It’s not about the price but the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.
Quality Time: Spending undivided attention and meaningful time together is essential for those whose primary love language is quality time.
Physical Touch: Physical affection, such as holding hands, hugging, or kissing, is crucial for some people to feel loved and connected.
Understanding which love language resonates with your partner allows you to express your affection in the way they will most appreciate. This understanding is vital in ensuring a healthy, long-lasting marriage because it allows you to communicate love in a way that meets their emotional needs.
Photo - @photographybysummer | HAMU - @Bombshellcreations | Floral - @joycemerck
Why You Should Ask These Questions Before Getting Married
Marriage is about a lifelong commitment to understanding and supporting each other, and knowing how your partner prefers to be loved is one of the most critical factors in maintaining a strong relationship. Before walking down the aisle, it’s important to have open, honest conversations about your love languages, needs, and expectations. Here are some questions to ask your partner before saying “I do” to create a stronger, more connected marriage:
1. How do you feel most loved?
This is the first and most important question to ask your partner. Do they feel most loved when you give them words of encouragement and praise, or do they feel your love through your actions? By discussing their preferences, you’ll gain insight into how you can show them love in a way that resonates most with them. Even if you think you know the answer, it’s important to have the conversation and ensure that you’re on the same page.
2. What makes you feel disconnected or unloved?
Sometimes, the things that make us feel unloved can be just as important as the things that make us feel loved. Ask your partner what makes them feel disconnected in a relationship. For some, not having enough quality time together or being overwhelmed by too many tasks without support can lead to feelings of neglect. Knowing what triggers negative emotions can help prevent misunderstandings and offer solutions before they turn into bigger issues.
3. Do you prefer physical affection or more verbal expressions of love?
Understanding your partner’s preference for physical touch versus words of affirmation will make it easier to find the right balance. Some people may crave constant physical closeness and gestures, while others may feel more loved when they hear affirming words from their partner. Finding out what makes your partner feel safe, appreciated, and secure can create a deeper connection.
4. How do you show love?
This question is equally important. Understanding how your partner expresses their love will help you recognize their love language and understand their actions. For instance, someone who shows love through acts of service might expect you to do things like help with household chores or run errands without being asked. Understanding how your partner shows love enables you to recognize their gestures and appreciate them for what they are—a sign of their affection.
5. How can we improve our communication when we disagree?
Conflict is inevitable in any marriage, and it’s essential to address how to handle disagreements. Some people prefer to discuss issues right away, while others may need space to process their emotions. Knowing your partner’s preferred communication style during tough moments can prevent arguments from escalating and help you both navigate disagreements in a way that maintains respect and connection.
photo - @valentino_lauren @kchesbro | floral - jldesignsweddings | coordinator - @georgiadollevents
Ways to Show Your Partner You Love Them
Now that you’ve had the important conversations and gained an understanding of your partner’s love language, here are some practical ways you can show your love based on the five primary love languages.
Words of Affirmation
If your partner’s love language is words of affirmation, expressing appreciation, admiration, and encouragement is essential. Compliments and kind words have a powerful impact on their emotional well-being. Small, everyday affirmations like, “I’m so grateful for you” or “I admire how hard you work,” can go a long way in making your partner feel cherished.
Be specific with your praise. Rather than just saying “I love you,” try to express what you love about them, such as, “I love the way you always make time for me, even when you’re busy.” These personalized affirmations demonstrate your attentiveness and reinforce the emotional bond between you.
Acts of Service
For those whose love language is acts of service, actions truly speak louder than words. Doing things for your partner that lighten their load—such as making them breakfast, helping with household chores, or taking care of tasks they might find stressful—can show love in a meaningful way. The key is to make these actions thoughtful and considerate, not out of obligation. If you’re planning a wedding at a venue like Chapman Hill, perhaps offering to take care of the details so your partner can relax will be a loving gesture that they deeply appreciate.
Photo - @emilylaurenphoto | Coordination - @lovelydayweddings
Receiving Gifts
If your partner feels loved through receiving gifts, it’s not about extravagant spending, but the thoughtfulness behind the gift. Surprise them with something that shows you’ve been paying attention to their interests or needs—whether that’s a small token, a handwritten letter, or a memorable experience. Personalized gifts can be particularly meaningful, as they reflect your understanding of your partner’s desires and show that you’ve put time and effort into selecting something special.
A wedding at Chapman Hill, with its charming ambiance and scenic backdrop, could provide the perfect opportunity for meaningful gift-giving. Maybe consider creating a scrapbook of your journey together or a keepsake that symbolizes your bond—something that will stand the test of time.
Quality Time
Quality time is one of the most important ways to connect deeply with your partner. It’s not about the quantity of time you spend together, but the quality of that time. Put away distractions, turn off your phones, and spend uninterrupted moments together. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home, a weekend getaway, or simply a walk in the park, this undivided attention strengthens your bond and shows your partner that they’re your priority.
At a venue like Chapman Hill, with its beautiful outdoor spaces and peaceful surroundings, there are endless opportunities to share quality time—whether you’re enjoying a romantic stroll, sitting together by a cozy fire, or simply taking in the view.
Physical Touch
For some, physical touch is the most significant way to show love. This can be anything from holding hands, cuddling, hugging, or even a simple touch on the arm. Physical affection creates a sense of closeness and security, and for many people, it’s one of the most powerful ways to express love. Make sure to offer touch in ways that are meaningful to your partner, whether it’s a gentle kiss on the forehead or a spontaneous hug after a long day.
Creating an atmosphere where physical touch is welcomed and appreciated fosters intimacy and reinforces your emotional connection.
Photo - @johnandkymcreativeco | Coordination - @lovelydayweddings | HAMU - @thepeachsalonga
Chapman Hill: A Strong Foundation for Love and Marriage
At Chapman Hill, we understand that a wedding isn’t just about the event—it’s about laying the foundation for a lasting and fulfilling marriage. The venue is a perfect reflection of this philosophy: its timeless beauty and rustic charm offer couples a place where they can build lasting memories. But what truly matters most isn’t just the picturesque setting; it’s the strong foundation that couples build in their relationship.
At Chapman Hill, we care about more than just weddings; we care about marriages. A successful marriage isn’t just about celebrating one day—it’s about creating a partnership built on trust, communication, and understanding. When you and your partner know each other’s love languages, you’re already on the path to a lasting marriage. You’re ready to build a relationship that withstands the test of time.
photo - @kaitvictoriaphoto | coordination - @lovelydayweddings | HAMU - @bombshellcreationsga
As you prepare for marriage, understanding how your partner wants to be loved is essential for building a solid foundation. By taking the time to ask the right questions and actively work on loving your partner in the way that resonates with them, you’ll create a relationship that thrives. A lasting marriage is built on communication, respect, and empathy, and knowing each other’s love language is one of the most powerful ways to foster those qualities. Whether you’re getting married at Chapman Hill or another beautiful venue, remember that the key to a strong marriage is understanding, support, and love—every day, not just on your wedding day.
***
Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
Comments