How we express our love for others has a huge impact on our relationships. There are many ways to show love and/or appreciation, but just to keep it simple, I decided to focus on something all of you have probably heard about already- the five love languages (time, touch, words, acts, gifts). Since we all have the same (but limited) time on our hands in any given day, how you spend it and who you spend it with, matters. Spending time with the people you love/care about (and being present while doing so) is the most precious, in my opinion. The more time you spend with someone, the more you get to know them, and by choosing to spend time with someone (especially exclusively) you are investing yourself into that person and vice versa. Another love language is physical touch. Hopefully if you're spending a lot of time with someone, you're also giving affection to them. Since our skin is the largest organ on the body, it's important we touch others and let them touch us, too. Giving and receiving hugs, kisses, caresses, sex, a simple touch on the shoulder goes a long way. Don't let time pass without offering your partner or someone you love some physical display of affection. Your survival depends on it. Backing up those physical gestures with words can only add to the amount love. Telling someone how much you love them, thanking them for the little things they do, and verbally complimenting them, demonstrates how you see them and what they do, and we all like to be recognized for who we are and what we do. Acts of service is how you back up your words, by reciprocating, and doing something special for someone else. Think of anything that can make your partner feel appreciated or that can help make their life easier, and do it. A simple act of kindness goes a long way. Lastly, give a gift. This one is definitely last on my list of love languages, but it's always nice to receive. Gifts can be anything that would spark someone's day for no reason, without expectation. And it always feels good to give...
|