When I was in high school my youth pastor did this sermon on love languages and it just stuck... Anyone who knows me knows communication fascinates me. When I think of two people I think wow.. two whole different lives, two whole different definitions, it’s so miraculous and encouraging when they can see eye to eye. I think that’s why love languages have followed me around for the last fifteen years. Every relationship I have I break down the language…
Do they feel love when I buy them gifts? How about when I do an act of service, like cleaning the dishes or cooking dinner? What about when I’m whispering sweet nothings, affirming them? Maybe it’s when I ideally stroke their arm or face? Maybe it’s in all the undivided attention I give them?
I know I’ve been in relationships where I wonder, how can this man not know that I’m so in love with him. Look at all the ways I show him. Then I think "DAMN this is unrequited love"… It’s like I’m standing alone in the rain and they’re not showing me anything..
I think the refreshing thing about love languages is that everyone has a way they receive love and 8 times out of 10 that’s the way they show love. It’s comforting to know that one person may express his or her emotions in a completely different ways than another. It’s nice to know that you don’t have to date man after man to know all the signals because signals are subjective and individual… Friends, children, co-workers, significant others. They all have a way in which they feel special, appreciated, and loved.
Recently I asked a friend what his language was. I was sure I knew because I’ve always considered myself the guru on communication. I watch and observe and pay attention to the details. When I was told his I was floored!!! How could I have missed that? I had bought gifts, said all the right things, spent every available moment I could but I had never done something special to help him out. Then I brought him soup while he was sick.... My oh my did the light bulb click on. The man kept thanking me so much I had to tell him to stop… And honestly it just made me feel like I was finally been seen in a room full of beautiful things. There's nothing better than making someone else feel loved and treasured!!
They say that everyone loves in each of these five ways: gifts, acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation or physical touch. They also say that one is dominant and most important. If you never receive that, you will always feel half empty….. It’s an interesting thought.
What is your love language? Take the test today!!
http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/
