Abstract
Gary Chapman (1992) proposed the concept of the five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, gift giving, physical touch, and acts of service. Chapman argued that for the highest relationship satisfaction, partners should be aware of and support their partner's love language. However, this argument has received mixed empirical support. The present study proposes that analogous love languages do not influence relationship quality, but that the intentionality behind the actions within the partnership takes precedence over any categorization. This qualitative study involved college students completing individual, semi-structured interviews (N = 49). Qualitative data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analyses. Results highlighted the presence of a reciprocal relationship between intentionality and the five love languages, as it is likely the presence of intentionality within the consistent practice of the love languages ideology that promotes positive interactions and growth in relationships. The love languages primarily reflect ways to categorize different approaches to love, but do not appear to contribute to experiences within relationships. The basic understanding of Chapman's typology may still lack the behaviors observed to function well consistently under perspectives of intentionality, as well as perceptions of a partner's intentionality.
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