Don’t worry, Disha baba ka gyaan has got you covered! Let’s decode this whole “love language” thing in a way that doesn’t sound like a boring lecture from your English teacher. (No shade, ma’am, but this is way more fun.)

What Are Love Languages?

Love languages are the ways people express and receive love. 

Here are the five love languages, explained in the simplest way possible:

1. Words of Affirmation
   Compliments, appreciation, and sweet texts like “You’re the best” or “You always know how to make things better.”
2. Acts of Service
   Doing things to make someone’s life easier, like helping them with homework or making them a cup of chai without being asked.
3. Receiving Gifts
   It’s not about being materialistic—it’s the thought behind the gift! A random pack of their favorite chips can feel like a million bucks.
4. Quality Time
   Hanging out together, with no distractions. Yes, that means putting down your phone (ouch, I know).
5. Physical Touch
   Hugs, high-fives, or even casually stealing their hoodie and wrapping yourself in their vibes.

Nahi samjhe? Then think of it this way: You’re at a pizza party (because, obviously?). One person feels the love when you save them the last slice (Acts of Service), another when you say, “Bro, you always pick the best toppings!” (Words of Affirmation). Someone else lights up when you sit next to them and chat while eating (Quality Time), while another friend would prefer a high-five or a hug for organizing the party (Physical Touch). And then there’s that one friend who’s thrilled when you remember to bring them their favorite garlic bread (Receiving Gifts).

The point is, everyone has a unique way of feeling cared for, and knowing their love language is like ordering the exact toppings they love—it just hits differently!

Why Are Love Languages Important?

Well brother, love languages are important because they help you show love in a way that actually makes sense to the other person. Because if you’re not speaking their love language, your efforts might not connect.

Imagine your love language is Quality Time, and you feel loved when your friend just spends time with you. But your bestie’s love language is Words of Affirmation, where they love being complimented like, “You look so good today!” or “I’m so proud of you”. 

Now if you’re all about hanging out but not saying much, they might not feel the love as much. So when you “translate” your love language into theirs, it strengthens your connection and makes sure nothing gets lost in translation. So learn their love language (Not just yours!)

How to Make It Work IRL

Here’s how you can make people feel loved their way:

1. Ask & Observe:
   Not everyone will announce, “Hi, my love language is Physical Touch.” Notice what makes them light up. Do they seem happiest when you hang out or when you bring them snacks?
2. Mix It Up:
   Use a combo! If your crush’s love language is Receiving Gifts, don’t just buy them stuff—spend time picking something meaningful. (Hello, handmade playlists or personalized keychains!)
3. Check Your Ego:
   Just because you love getting compliments doesn’t mean your best friend needs them 24/7. Step out of your comfort zone to show love their way. It’s wholesome and makes your relationships stronger.

A Little Self-Love Reminder

Your own love language matters too! Let the people around you know what makes you feel appreciated. Whether it’s an occasional “I’m proud of you” or just someone sharing their fries, it’s okay to ask for love in the way you need.

Now go spread the love—whether it’s with words, hugs, or the last piece of pizza! Catch you later!

Adult v/s teen brain  

In the whirlwind of teenage emotions, have you ever wondered why you make certain choices? As the famous movie ‘Chemical Hearts’ suggests, teenage brains undergo a massive upgrade before reaching full adulthood. It’s like a burst of connections and synapses, helping you figure out right from wrong, your likes and dislikes, and who you aspire to be. A Stanford study also states that it isn’t until the age of 25 or above that the rational part of teen brains is fully developed. 

It has also been found that adult and teen brains work differently. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s rational part. This is the part of the brain that responds to situations with good judgment and an awareness of long-term consequences. Teens process information with the amygdala. This is the emotional part.

What was I thinking, really? 

Unlike grown-ups who think with the prefrontal cortex, you’re in touch with your emotions. So, when those overwhelming feelings hit, it’s less about thinking and more about feeling, just like when Ranveer Singh delivers his iconic dialogues. So, when intense feelings take over, it’s less about thinking and more about feeling.

Subsequently, it doesn’t matter how smart you are or how well you score on class tests or tests like the SAT or ACT. Good judgment isn’t something you can excel in, at least not yet. Making sound judgments can be a real puzzle during your teenage years. Your brain is still under construction, and the connections between emotions and decision-making are developing at different rates. That’s why, when you’re swept away by intense emotions, it’s tough to explain what you were thinking. In reality, you were feeling more than thinking.

It’s okay to not be ok! 

And when you feel more, excessive worry, social anxiety, prolonged sadness, and difficulties with focus or behaviour may come knocking. Keep an eye out for notable changes in sleep, eating habits, or daily activities; they could be signals that it’s time to ask for help.  If any negative feelings persist for more than a couple of weeks, it might be a sign of something more serious like depression, and it’s crucial to seek professional help. Remember, there’s no shame in reaching out.

To boost your mental well-being, physical activity, a balanced diet, and enough sleep are your allies..

Parents – your real-life heroes 

Remember those Bollywood scenes where parents play pivotal roles in rescuing the hero/heroine from the miseries? Well, your parents could be the real heroes here. Engaging in discussions, being present, and showing genuine interest are the essentials for the supporting cast. They’re your mentors, guiding you through your script to resilience and independence.

Even when it seems like you’re pushing them away, understanding the ongoing development of your teenage brain can help your parents be effective mentors. Despite your facade, you benefit immensely from their support. Their involvement today can significantly impact your life tomorrow.

The next time you find yourself locking the door and retreating to a corner of your room after a breakup or a failed exam, consumed by sadness and not in the mood to eat, and your mom approaches you with concern, don’t push her away.

Names have been changed. This article has been authored by a member of our TeenBook Advisory Board (TAB). To learn more about what TAB is and how to join, please click here. 

Do you have any questions for Science Lab? Post them in the comments box below. We will respond to them in our upcoming articles. Please don’t put any personal information.

To learn more about emotions in teenagers, check out this video :

The word “adolescence”  first came into prevalence in the 15th century but it wasn’t until 1904 that Hall discovered adolescence. The word “adolescence“ comes from the Latin word “adolescere”, which means “to grow up or to grow into maturity”. In his works, Hall described many distinct aspects of adolescence. 

Long legged creatures 

First up is a fun fact! Hall provided an extremely detailed account of bodily growth during adolescence. He mentioned that while various organs and body parts have different rates of growth, it is the limbs that grow faster than the rest of the body in early puberty. Watch out for those long legs! 

Those mood swings

Yep, it’s not just your parents that know about your mood swings. Mr Hall discovered it way back in 1904! Hall said adolescence was a time when the depressed mood is more common than at any other stage. He added that the “curve of despondency starts at eleven, rises steadily and rapidly till fifteen, then falls steadily till twenty-three.” So all you teens, hang in there! If life doesn’t feel great now, it soon will! Until then blame this ‘meh’ phase on your age. 

The adrenaline rush

Let’s move to perkier stuff. Hall also said that the need for novel and intense sensations (trying out new and exciting things) is especially high during adolescence. “At no time of life is the love for excitement so strong as during the season of the accelerated development of adolescence, which craves strong feelings and new sensations and when monotony, routine and detail are intolerable”.

Ha, don’t we all agree? 

Beware the media 

Didn’t we say Mr Hall surely knew a lot 100 years ago when there was no Internet, TV or for that matter radio! Back in 1904, he said that the media has a very strong influence on the minds of adolescents, even when he was only referring to newspapers! He said that young minds become inflamed with media content and that the main impact of media was to stir the feelings of adolescents.

Wow! Mr Hall got super worried about newspapers and books. Just imagine what he would have to say about social media! But the key takeaway here is that the media can often justify wrong things and make things look more heroic in our perception. So just take things on the media with a pinch of salt! 

Stress and stuff 

Hall was the first to talk about stress among teens! Someone tell our teachers and parents, right! Hall said that teenagers have a tendency to be rebellious and to resist adult authority. It’s that time when conflicts are high. So that fight with your mom in the morning – now you know the reason! Blame adolescence!

Do you have any questions for Science Lab? Post them in the comments box below. We will respond to them in our upcoming articles. Please don’t put any personal information .