Find out which dish you are based on your love language

These days when I scroll through my social media’s ‘Explore’ page, terms like ‘love language’ often pop up. If you, like me, are active on the internet, then chances are you’ve come across this phrase. While it might seem like a new expression coined by netizens, love languages are not a novel concept—they were popularised by relationship expert Dr Gary Chapman in his book The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. It is a handy guide for couples to understand the ways in which their partner feels loved and cared for, which is the key to a happy and healthy partnership. 

If you have already taken online quizzes to figure out your love language, or have read up about it but want to know more, then scroll ahead to discover the five love languages, and the food item you would be based on yours. 

Words of affirmation—fortune cookies 

Do encouraging and caring words have the power to lift your spirits? Do compliments get you going? If hand-written notes, cute texts, or something as simple as saying “I love you” or “I’m grateful for you” can make you feel appreciated by your partner, then, words of affirmation are your language of love and you might relate closely to a fortune cookie. There is something weirdly reassuring about getting a positive message hidden inside a deliciously crunchy cookie, and you, for one, are all for it!

Acts of service—a bowl of piping-hot soup 

On the opposite spectrum to words of affirmation are acts of service—you are of the firm belief that actions speak louder than words, and feel validated in a relationship when your partner looks out for you—by lending a helping hand or taking care of you. Vice versa, if you show your feelings for someone by doing things for them, then acts of service is your love language. Have you ever fallen sick and had someone lovingly prepare a bowl of wholesome, heart-warming soup for you? If an act of service gives you the warm fuzzies, then you’re a bowl of soup, friend!

Gifts—chocolates 

Giving and receiving gifts are a big part of relationships, and if you appreciate getting something that is a visual symbol of your partner’s affection, then gifts are definitely your love language! When one thinks of getting a food-related present from a loved one, the first thing that comes to mind is chocolate. Big on getting meaningful gifts? Then you are a box of decadent chocolates! 

Quality time—biryani 

Spending quality time as a way of expressing or accepting affection means you feel the most appreciated and loved when they are attentive and active listeners. That could mean cooking together, going on a fun arcade date, or simply sitting and chatting with no distractions. One dish that requires a lot of time and attention is biryani—from the elaborate preparation, fixing the separate components, assembling, to the final cooking. So, if your love language is quality time, then you might just be a plate of biryani!

Physical touch—a loaf of bread

Do you feel most comfortable and secure when you’re in close proximity to your partner? Do you crave intimacy, even if it’s non-sexual, like holding hands, cuddling, and hugging? Then your love language might be physical touch. Folks from this group rely on touch to show and receive love, and to feel connected to their bae. If physical touch is your thing, then you embody a slice of warm toast. The act of making bread is quite hands-on—it requires delicate mixing, purposeful kneading, and shaping before it is baked. A loaf wouldn’t exist, or be at its best if not for the attention and care it gets physically, and the same goes for you!