February 2, 2022 – Day 2
Anyone ever read the book by Gary Chapman called “The Five Love Languages”? I rather liked it, if only because it explains how we both receive and express love. His main argument was that many times we express love the way we wish to receive it, but in reality, the person we love may receive love in a different form. Then, lots of misunderstandings and hurt feelings can result because we’re not looking to love someone on their terms, but ours.

The Five Love Languages are:
1. Words of affirmation – this may sound self-explanatory, but the key to it is that the affirmation must be sincere. It must be grounded in truth.
2. Quality time – this may also sound self-explanatory, but the key is that a person is given your undivided attention. So, watching TV together is not considered quality time because the attention goes towards the TV rather than the person.
3. Gift Giving – okay, this one really is self-explanatory, but what I find adorable is that the gift does not have to be expensive so much as thoughtful.
4. Acts of service – When you serve someone by doing something for them – taking out the trash, opening the door, basically making their life easier by some concrete action.
5. Physical Touch – this one is interesting because people always equate it with intimate sensuality (or, you know, that other closely related word which I will not type as I am trying to keep this post Rated G – but you know what I mean), but it can be something as common as a handshake. It can be a hug. It can even be a playful fist bump.

Another note is that sometimes how someone receives love is different from how someone expresses love. For me, I receive love through quality time, but I express love through acts of service. Funny, huh?

Anyway, which one is yours, and what are the ones your loved ones have? Has it been difficult to love someone on his/her terms rather than your own?

Love,
February