How people communicate love differs from each person, which can lead to confusion and frustration.

Quizzes on the five love languages have been spreading around social media in recent weeks, and have gained a lot of popularity, as they describe what is valuable for each individual when it comes to receiving and giving love.

The concept of the five different love languages was first introduced by Baptist pastor Gary Chapman, in his novel, “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts,” published in 1992. The novel became a huge success among all ages; more than 20 million copies have been sold and it has been on the New York Times bestsellers list since 2007. His book was based on his observation from years of counseling couples.

The five different love languages Chapman describes are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch.

Sadie Crampton, a senior from Cape Cod, made her boyfriend Olivier Lapointe take the online quiz on the love languages.

“Knowing about the five love languages has helped us a lot, just so we know what to focus on when we are with each other,” Sadie said. “I [wouldn’t] buy him a lot of gifts if his love language isn’t gift giving, but if it was, I would, because I know that that would be meaningful to him.”

There are two love languages that play an especially significant role in Sadie’s relationship.

“If their love language is quality time, then make time for them,” Sadie said. “Maybe that includes switching around your schedule so you can see them when you know it’s really important to them.”

“Words of affirmation are very important if it’s their love language,” she added. “because if you don’t give enough words of affirmation your partner might feel like they are not as important to you or that they are not cared for enough.”

Ava Howard, a senior, thinks that in order to sustain a healthy relationship it is important to accept that everybody receives and gives love differently.

“I think letting both partners try something new and being ok with being uncomfortable is how you can strengthen the bond between two people,” she said. “I don’t think people should base their relationship around it but I think the more you know, you can determine that not all love has to be right in front of you or said [out loud].”

Tessa Legere, a senior boarder from Washington, D.C., feels similar to Ava.

“With your partner you should really get to know them to understand what they need, even if it is a little out of your comfort zone,” she said. “It might not be how you like to show love; however, understanding that that is what they need in order to feel loved is important. Just put yourself out there so you are both in a mutual relationship.”

Teachers at Williston, including Laura Vachet, Director of Academic Support, and Nikki Chambers, Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, found communication to be a common theme in relationships.

Vachet, who has read the “Love Languages” book before, said it makes it more accessible for partners to communicate since it can be a catalyst for uncomfortable conversations.

“Partners can learn how their partner wants to be appreciated, but it’s all communication based, it just opens the doors. Instead of making assumptions that your partner doesn’t care for you is wrong, they might just not know how to care for you the way that you like to be cared for,” she said.

Chambers shared that having different love languages with a parent can be something beautiful, but it just has to be communicated.

“Whether it’s a romantic relationship or a friendship; understanding that what they need is different than what you need is a critical piece to sustaining a healthy relationship,” she said.