Gary Chapman

Gary Demonte Chapman is an American author and radio talk show host. Chapman is most noted for his The Five Love Languages series regarding human relationships. Chapman was born on January 10, 1938, in China Grove, North Carolina.

He studied at Moody Bible Institute in theology. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in anthropology from Wheaton College and from Wake Forest University. He also earned a Master of Religious Education (M.R.E.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in adult education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Chapman joined the staff of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1971 and shares the responsibilities of teaching and family care.

Chapman is perhaps best known for his concept of "Five Love Languages," helping people express and receive love as expressed through one of five languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, or physical touch. Chapman argues that while each of these languages is enjoyed to some degree by all people, a person will usually speak one primary language. Still, all are important and can be ranked after taking the love language profile.

The first of many books promoting the above concept was The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, first published in 1992. The book has sold over 11 million copies in English and has been translated into 49 other languages. The 2015 edition consistently ranks in the top 100 sellers on Amazon.com, ranking in the top 50 as of February 2007. It also consistently ranks in the top five books on the New York Times bestsellers list, claiming the #1 spot at times.

He has also authored the Five Love Language concept books for parents of children and teenagers, single adults, and a special version for men. He has co-authored The Five Languages of Apology with Dr. Jennifer Thomas, which focuses on giving and receiving apologies.

Additionally, Chapman co-authored The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace with Dr. Paul White, applying the concepts to work-based relationships. Chapman travels the world presenting seminars on marriage, family, and relationships, and his radio programs air on more than 400 stations. Chapman is also married to Karolyn J. Chapman. They have two adult children, Shelley and Derek.