Why The Golden Rule Falls Short (And what To Replace It With)

The book The 5 Love Languages explains how we each express and receive love in different ways, through words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, and physical touch. We prioritize and interpret these “languages” differently.

The biggest insight? “Treat others how they want to be treated” is often more effective than the golden rule. Not everyone values love the same way you do. Being aware of your own preferences, and the preferences of the people you care about most strengthens the connection and communication.