What's Your Love Language?

Dr. Gary Chapman has a book out entitled The 5 Love Languages. I'm quite impressed with what I've read and learned through this study, and highly recommend it as a must-read.

A love language is a primary way that you express and interpret love. For example, my love language is quality time, so when my husband spends time with me - taking me on a date or asking me to ride along into town with him - it makes me feel special. Knowing how to speak to your spouse, or even your children, in the love language that they understand the best will make for much better relationships in your home.

The love languages are broken down into five categories. Quality time, receiving gifts, words of encouragement, acts of service, and physical touch are areas that are all covered. Let me break these down.

Besides the quality time already mentioned, there are four others.

Receiving gifts - the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. Missed birthdays and anniversaries are really bad in this person's book.

Words of encouragement - unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Insults can leave you shattered.

Acts of service - anything done to help you out will speak volumes. Vacuuming, helping to set the table, or bringing in the groceries is what makes you feel loved. Laziness or broken commitments are hurtful.

Physical touch - hugs, holding hands, or thoughtful touches on the arm can all be ways to show love to this person.

GET YOUR OWN!

I highly recommend getting the book. It can be found at the website 5lovelanguages.com, where you can also take the online quiz to find which love language is yours. Print one off for your spouse or children so that you can relate to them in ways that speak volumes. They'll thank you for it.