Time is one of the influential factors for any relationship. It dictates the norms, practices and the principles of love and relationship applied within a particular society. Despite the changes in time, the desire and need to love never changes. This is characterized by the natural attributes and character of human beings who tend to seek for social and interpersonal aspects such as love and relationships.
Up-to-date views, the society of today and principles which are ‘outdated’ cannot be put on the same line. All these three aspects are somehow related, and one affects the other. Every social dispensation is normally characterized by its views and perspectives (Chapman). However, some views have remained relevant both in the past and current societies, therefore, the up-to-date views exemplify such notions or views which remained relevant in the past societies and continue to be relevant in the modern society. Outdated principles are those which were in existence during the past and are no longer required or observe. Therefore, they are not so relevant in the modern society. The expression of relationship and love, therefore, tend to adhere with what the modern society believes and practices plus the up-to-date perspectives which have been in existence.
Gary Chapman asserts that whoever chooses to love will always find ways and means of expressing such love on a daily basis. This assertion is premised on the five love languages which are principles designed to describe and analyze love. These principles have a general perspective and description of love as expressed by different people within the society. Therefore, any person who wishes to express love may adhere to any of these principles;
Words of Affirmation: Many people tend to express love through using affirmation words and expression. Such people normally require their partner to use similar words of expression so as to prove and denote the love feelings between the two. For example, some prefer to use the expression, ‘I love you’ as an often reminder of their feelings to their partners (Chapman).
Acts of Service: Some people tend to prefer to engage in acts of service as an expression of love and relationship to their partners. They prefer to use a practical demonstration of love through engaging in practical services so as to express and also receive love. For example, other people prefer taking their partners out or on vacation to demonstrate their feelings.
Receiving Gifts: Many people within the modern society prefer the use of gifts as a demonstration of their love. For example, birthday gifts on the birthday partner of a partner are one way to which people prefer to express their belief and feeling to their partners.
Quality Time: Other people prefer to be given and to give quality time to their partners so as to express the love. This involves sparing sufficient time for the partner and also showing how much the partner is important beyond time. It’s a principle mostly applicable in the modern times.
Physical Touch: Many people prefer the application of this principle as a way of expressing love in their everyday life. This involves practices such as holding hands when walking or expression of romantic feeling (Chapman).
The above five principles are actively in existence and operational in the modern society. Many people prefer different ways of receiving love and equally of expressing love. One distinguishing aspect is that the differences in the patterns and manners of expressing love differ within people. For example, other people prefer to use words of affirmation so as to be sure that they love or are loved by their partners. Other people prefer the physical touch and other different languages of love (Chapman). This analysis is true to the modern times and seeks to explain the difference in understanding and perception of different people.
These principles change the relationship especially if they are well understood by the partners. The uniqueness involved in the belief over practicing love makes people have different demands and expectations. Others expect gifts while others expect the use of words of affirmation. This explains the constant complains witnessed and heard among many people within relationship especially for those who have not understood the preferences of their partners.