How Can You Benefit from Learning the Language of Love?
I’m not talking about French here. I’m talking about The 5 Love Languages based on the book by Gary Chapman.
I ran across this on my journey to Health Coaching. Now I must admit, my wife tried to get me to look at it several years before. When she reminded me, I didn’t remember the conversation too clearly.
I’m sure I didn’t want to “waste” my time. So, I quickly dismissed it, not seeing it as a priority for what I was doing. Big mistake!
I should have been paying more attention. To listen and understand can make a monumental shift in your relationships.
During my coursework for Health Coaching, I took the test. As I reviewed the results it outlined the way I give and receive love.
What I discovered was this, what means love to me was very different from the language my wife needs and recognizes. I understood after getting my head around it that my wife had been hinting at it all the time.
I just couldn’t see it. Needless to say, I have been more mindful of speaking her language of love and the response has been fruitful.
Recently I received an email from The 5 Love Languages Newsletter that got me to thinking. It was talking about children that didn’t feel loved.
They noted several behaviors that were exhibited.
- They do poorly in school.
- They don’t respond well to discipline.
- They are filled with anger.
While these are generalities there is some truth to it. It sparked memories of my son and the disconnect we have had over the years.
This came into focus with an example the newsletter presented.
Wow! That struck a chord in the discord I have experienced in several relationships. Words of affirmation are not my forte, but something I am in the process of learning.
You might be thinking, “Great, what can I do to love others better?” Here are some suggestions.
- Take the quiz and get to know the definitions of the different languages. They are:
- Words of Affirmation
- Acts of Service
- Receiving Gifts
- Quality Time
- Physical Touch
- Review the results and see if they ring true.
- Sign up for the email newsletter for suggestions on how to communicate love for each language.
Understanding the 5 Love Languages will enable you to better communicate your love. When applied to your relationships, the message will become clear.
Are you willing to invest the time to understand yourself and your loved ones better? Take the first step to get started and take the Love Language Quiz.
Nice, Darin. Very important lesson for each us to remind ourselves that the people we have in our lives might need a different way to be shown love.