It's funny to think that we all give and receive love in different ways. I mean, love is a universal feeling, so you would think it would have a universal expression... but, not so much! The more I get to know people, the more I am amazed at how different we express and accept love.
I've taken the "Love Language" test a few times throughout my life. Apparently, one thing that seems to never change is how I DO an DO NOT receive love. Lots of people need to be affirmed verbally. I have friends that thrive off of this kind of encouragement. It seems like the most straight forward method- I tell you something, and you believe it and feel good about yourself. Right? Well, not so simple for everyone, because I am NOT one of these people. You can pretty much talk until you're blue in the face; I may appreciate it, but it doesn't really resonate with me. I am an "action" person, and my top 2 love languages reflect that. #2 would be "acts of service." If you go out of your way, even slightly, to help me out, it will pretty much blow my mind! #1, however, is "quality time." Groups make me uncomfortable. Hanging out one-on-one is pretty much my favorite thing to do with anybody. What better way to REALLY get to know someone? There is something about quality one-on-one time that allows you to be yourself and really connect with whoever you are with. And, the fact that they are choosing to use their time to spend with you... well, that speaks volumes!
Because I like to receive love these ways, I tend to express my love these ways as well. Life experience has shown me that this doesn't always work. Get to know your friends. If they need "words of affirmation" to feel loved, AFFIRM THEM! If they are "physical touch," HUG THEM! If their love language is receiving gifts, GET YOUR MARTHA STEWART ON! Don't forget about those "quality time" and "acts of service" people though... they may be high maintenance, but they need to feel loved too :)
