Sweet Lovin'- Your Love Language

 Hi All,  I hope you enjoyed yesterday's tutorial.  My husband even likes the bunting up. He is usually a stickler for decorating. Believe it or not, he did most of our decorating!  I know, right?  He chose the colors and furniture and had a vision. Our house is a good example of compromise.  I love the white, vintage, antique furniture and he loves the modern, straight lines with probably medal and glass (gag me with a spoon!).  So we compromised with what we have now and we both are very comfortable.

I digress yet again...

Lets talk about Love Languages.  Do you know yours?  Do you know your husbands?
There is a great book that address this topic and its called The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. Sounds great right?

Find this great book here

Here are the five Love Languages:

Words of Affirmation: This language (literally, ha!) has to do with words.  Using statements that build you up, such as "I really appreciate you doing my laundry today."  Or "Wow, you look beautiful in that dress, it fits you so well." Straight forward statements that build you up and help you feel good about yourself.  You love when your spouse communicates his appreciation for all you do for him and your family, this is what makes you feel fully loved. 

Quality Time: This means giving someone your undivided attention, not sitting in front of the TV together. The book gives the example of quality time as, going for a walk together or going out to dinner to talk to one another.  Giving the other your undivided attention.  Quality time doesn't mean that you have to spend your togetherness staring at each other's eyes, it means that you are doing something together and that you are giving your full attention to the other. 

Receiving Gifts: Now, this doesn't have to do with the value of a gift or the actual gift.  This has to do with one spouse spending time to think about the other spouse.  Whether the gift was hand made or bought at a store, the value is in the time spent picking the gift. The gift itself is a symbol of thought (from the book) and the thought of love was expressed through the giving of a gift.  There is also the gift of self, which the book gives a great example of on pg. 86.

Acts of Service: You value your spouse actions.  When he chooses to do something you want him to do.  He is not necessarily doing it for himself, but doing it because he knows it would be you happy. The book goes into more details on types of acts.  But the above is the best way I could describe this language.

Physical Touch: You feel the most loved when your husband shows his love for you through outwardly affection.  The sweet kiss, the hand holding, arm around your waist...all this makes you feel his whole heart pouring out to you.  You don't mind PDA (public displays of affection)

That was just a short overview of the 5 love languages discussed in this book.  Below I will give you one example for each language of something you could do to show your husband love.

1. Words of Affirmation: 
          "Compliment your spouse in the presence of his parents or friends.  You will get double credit: Your spouse will feel loved and his parents will feel lucky to have such a great son-in-law or daughter-in-law."

2. Quality Time:
          " Think of an activity your spouse enjoys, but which brings little pleasure to you: football, symphony, jazz concert, or TV sleeping.  Tell your spouse that you are trying to broaden your horizons and would like to join her (or him) in this activity sometime this month.  Set a date and give it your best effort.  Ask questions about the activity at break times."

3. Receiving Gifts:
          " Give your spouse a gift every day for one week.  It need not be a special week, just any week.  I promise you wit will become 'The Week That Was!'  If you are really energetic, you can make it 'The Month That Was!' NO-- you spouse will not expect you to keep this up for a lifetime."

4. Acts of Service:
          " Ask your spouse to make a list of ten things he or she would like for you to do during the next month.  Then ask you spouse to prioritize those by numbering them 1-10, with 1 being the most important. Use this list to play your strategy for a month of love. (Get ready to live with a happy spouse.)"

5. Physical Touch
          "When family or friends are visiting, touch your spouse in their presence. A hug, running you hand along his or her arm, putting your arm around his as you stand talking, or simply placing your hand on his shoulder can earn double emotional points. It says, 'Even with all these people in our house, I still see you.'"

Did you get some good ideas?

No sure what your love language is?  No problem, take their free assessment here and find out.   It's great because it has an assessment for women, men, singles, etc.  Many different choices and something for everyone. 

What do you think your spouse's love language is? Please leave me some love (a comment) and let me know what your love language is.  It will help me be a better friend to you! 

Thanks for reading and stay tuned to tomorrow's post about Cheap Valentine Date Ideas!