Love languages can be diverse. Often they fall under the five categories: gift giving, quality time, words of encouragement, acts of service, and physical touch. Most people have either one or more of these embedded in their understanding and conception of love.
My love language is usually words of encouragement, but I also dabble in gift giving and physical touch. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the other two. It just means I will feel more loved after someone takes the time to tell me they care. It calms my wild thoughts and confirms how they feel towards me.
Regardless of how I receive affection, the people around me might not think the same way. My mom, for example, feels most loved when my dad cleans the dishes or pours her coffee. She collects affection when there is an act of service.
My dad’s love language is quality time. When I schedule lunch with him or go for a walk with him, love is most efficiently delivered.
With Valentine’s Day coming up, I know that people will be buying big bears and a heart-shaped box of chocolates for their loved ones. There will be pink champagne and Valentine’s cards.
All those things are nice things of course, but maybe we should take it a step further.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with red colored gift bags, candy hearts and pink decorated cards. However, gifts can be more than what our culture provides. Paying attention to another person can be difficult and sometimes tedious. It can take time and diligence.
In the end, it’s always worth it.
People can be so full of life, interests, ideas and internal hopes. All we have to do is listen to them and notice who they are. People reveal themselves over time if we just hear what they have to say and watch what they do.
I have a friend who’s love language is handwritten letters. Another appreciates hand-picked playlists. My sister feels valued when I go to the mall with her. Those who love you will constantly tell you so with different methods. It means the world when the gesture is returned. Nothing means more than learning another person and directly giving them what they truly know and love.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s give one another more than the usual. Let’s step outside of the box and use the discovery of a love language to offer one another warmth and care.
