Love languages were conceived over 30 years ago to help couples better show up for each other, but the internet’s fascination with relationship optimisation has thrust these five acts back into the cultural zeitgeist. Here, content creator, podcaster, and self-described “words of affirmation girl” Lucy Neville shares her advice for upping the romance in new relationships.
Once you suss whether your partner's into ‘physical touch’ or ‘acts of service’, hit up the legends at RedBalloon to lock down the perfect experiential Valentine's Day gift for '25.
Real Talk
First up, Neville recommends being confident about having deeper conversations. Sure, launching into the big questions in person during the early days of dating might sound daunting, but getting serious can go a long way for your relationship in the long run.
If you’re struggling to get the conversation flowing, Neville suggests conversation cards. “On my first Valentine’s Day with Jon, we went to a local bar, I pulled out a stack of ReFlex Cards, and it quickly deepened our conversations," she shares.
Growing Your Connection
Keeping that endorphin-boosting connection in the early stages is crucial, and knowing the way to your lover’s heart makes all the difference. “Imagine telling a joke to thousands of people and expecting them all to laugh—it’s impossible. We all have a unique sense of humour, and it’s the same with love, we give and receive it in different ways,” shares Neville.
Love Languages
“There are five love languages: words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, gift giving and acts of service. There are a variety of quizzes you can do online to identify your partner's love language. Why not make it a date night? Have a wine, some dinner, and take turns filling out the quiz."
Physical Touch
“If your love language is physical touch, it might be a spoon in bed at the end of the day that keeps the spark alive,” shares Neville.
Another special way to celebrate physical touch is a hot air balloon or scenic helicopter ride. Not only are these activities super romantic, but the comforting touch from your partner during a new experience is bound to bring you closer together.
Acts Of Service
“If you’re more of an acts of service person, imagine if your partner got your car serviced for you (extremely sexy),” Neville adds.
If you’re after something less practical, why not help your lover level up their cocktail-making or cooking skills? Cooking or cocktail classes make a fun date, and your partner will be able to improve their acts of service long-term. Win-win.
Quality Time
“For my quality-time cuties, it might be the ten minutes of pillow talk at the end of a long day,” shares Neville.
What’s better than pillow talk at home? Pillow talk in a lush glamping setup in the middle of nowhere, of course. Spend quality time disconnected from tech at a tiny home or cabin, or swap your daggy tent for a bougie glamping stay with all the trimmings.
Gift Giving
“Gift giving can be as simple as coming home to find your favourite chocolate bar on the kitchen bench,” shares Neville.
For more of a pampering gift, shout you and your partner a hot springs sesh, or treat them to a day at the spa. Both are guaranteed to leave you feeling zen well into the evening.
Words Of Affirmation
“For my words of affirmation lovers, sometimes it’s just nice to hear someone tell you what they love about you. Those things can be harder for us to spot in ourselves.” shares Neville.
Connecting over a fancy meal is the perfect setting for sharing those cheesy, loved-up compliments. Opt for the classically romantic picnic, a long Italian lunch, or a unique brunch with alpacas—because nothing says romance quite like dining alongside llamas.
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by RedBalloon and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied by Lucy Neville