Recently my husband and I were discussing how some people love to give (and receive) gifts, and for some of us it's nice, but not such a big deal. We were pondering how to reciprocate to those of our friends and family without shortchanging our own immediate family. Have you ever been in that situation? Right now we have 19 nieces and nephews and 4 of our own children. It's impossible to get gifts for every birthday and Christmas financially, and logistically (not to mention in-laws, out-laws and just plain family) Add in close friends and you're getting into some pretty high dollars, time spent shopping and such.
I then remembered that a friend had lent me the 5 Love Languages book for children (haven't read it yet, as my reading time is still quite limited) but it got me to thinking about finding out my own "language". We found the quizzes online http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/personal-profiles/?profiletype=wives and learned alot. I am a "quality time" person. There is nothing I like better than a day spent with those I love. My favorite days are Saturdays where we go out for breakfast (or have it at home), run errands, fix stuff around home and such. This reaffirmed why I love just spending time with my husband and kids. It fills "the cockels of my heart" (to quote my mother-in-law) to just do fun or boring things with them. I love visiting with my husband as we drive somewhere (as I sip coffee, trying not to spill since I prefer a coffee cup to a travel mug), or yesterday we took the bikes down to the park for a ride (yep, heart overflowing!)
My husband on the other hand is a "words of affirmation" type of guy. He loves hearing that I love him, and he tells me often all the good things he loves about me. He is the first to compliment people on whatever it may be, and also likes it when others do that for him.
Anyhow, since learning this, we've been trying to figure out how to "speak" the love languages to those who may differ from us. There's also "gift givers/receivers", "physical affection", and "acts of service" (father-in-law?) Although we all fall into several categories, knowing our main one and the main one(s) of those close to us can really help us feel their love and help us to show our love to them. I'll let you know when I actually read the book what I find out about children!
So what's your love language? I'd love to know!
