Where is the love?

Yes, a song made famous by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack.

And yes, I do like me some 70’s music.

This song got me thinking about how love is perceived and received.

And how love is communicated in different ways.

A man will constantly tell his wife that he loves her, but she thinks, “I appreciate that, but talk is cheap.”

On the other hand, if he brought her flowers and told her that he loves her, she might think, “Wow, he does love me. He affirmed his love for me and brought me flowers.”

Different scenario– A woman will take the time to iron her husband’s shirts before an important business meeting. By the way, I am NOT that woman. I did enough ironing for my Catholic school girl uniforms. My friendship with the iron dissolved many years ago.

What does a crisp, freshly ironed shirt mean to a man whose love language is words of affirmation and physical touch?

NOTHING.

Sure, he appreciates it, but it doesn’t necessarily communicate love to him.

Instead, what if she gave him a big hug and told him that she loves and appreciates him?

His love tank would be filled.

Both scenarios above communicate love.

Both are received as love in different ways.

Here are 5 ways that you can communicate the language of love:

1. Find out what best communicates love to those important to you. Is it words of affirmation, physical touch, acts of service, gifts, or quality time?
2. Identify what communicates love to you and realize that your love language might not be the same as others.
3. When you are out and about, make it a goal to show love to a stranger by smiling. saying hello or paying this person a genuine compliment.
4. Make contact with someone that has done something for you in the past and thank them for helping you. Be specific.
5. Invest time in yourself. If you love yourself, you will love others.

If you want to dive deeper into the subject of the languages of love, I highly recommend Gary Chapman’s books on The Five Love Languages. Click this image if you want more information. He has several books on this subject geared towards married people, children and teens.

What is your love language? Do you feel it’s difficult to communicate love to someone if their language is different from yours? I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

About the author, Annett

Annett Bone is the creator and host of The DancePreneuring Studio where she guides her listeners on a journey of transformation inspired by dance, life, and business. The podcast is a reflection of her personal adventure overcoming her fears and returning to her passion for dance after a 20+ year hiatus, the lessons that she has learned along the way, and proving that it’s never too late to be great.