The history of Valentine’s Day appears to date back to ancient Rome and the feast of Lupercalia where there was lots of nudity and “hitting” on of women, (check out this super interesting article by NPR – The Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day). February 14th has been renamed and celebrated in a variety of ways over the centuries and it has morphed into what it is now, a highly commercialized time to celebrate romance, love and friendships. A time for Hallmark cards and children’s hand print cards, heart shaped candy, flowers and expensive jewelry. It is celebrated between lovers, spouses, parents and children. And, thanks to the television show Parks & Recreation, and the always adorable Leslie Knope, GALentine’s Day is celebrated by half of my Instagram followers, according to a very scientific poll I conducted on my IG story with the “polls” feature.
With Valentine’s Day upon us, and all this talk about love, it’s interesting to note, that not everyone receives love the same way. I think on some level I always knew this, but it didn’t really hit home until I ran across a little treasure that can change your relationships with your spouse, your children, your parents and siblings, and even your friends and co-workers. The 5 Love Languages developed by Gary Chapman has been around for 25 years, and I wish I had know about it for that long! This is a theory that assumes everyone receives love and feels love in one of 5 Love Languages. There is a simple online quiz you can take and it will determine your Love Language, or the way you best receive love from others. Your Love Language will be one of the following:
- Words of Affirmation – you feel love when someone affirms you with words
- Acts of Service – you feel love when someone does something for you, actions over words
- Receiving Gifts – you feel love when you receive a gift or token from someone
- Quality Time – you feel love when someone gives you their undivided attention
- Physical Touch – you feel love when someone physically touches you (mind out of the gutter peeps, this can be high fives, hand holding, hugging, cuddling, and yes, of course, sex!)
Y’all, TAKE THE QUIZ!! Once you know your love language, and the love language of your favorite people, it makes SO MUCH SENSE! For example, my love language is Acts of Service, so while I love gifts and sweet words from from my husband, those don’t indicate love to me. Now, if he were to fill up my car with gas or bring me a cup of coffee in the morning, then I KNOW HE LOVES ME! My youngest daughter’s love language is Words of Affirmation, so for her 18th birthday (with the help of her friend), we put a video together of her friends telling her why they love her. One of the best gifts I’ve ever given.
Valentine’s Day should not be the only day to celebrate love in your life. This should be an everyday kind of thing! And, it’s the little daily things that really make a relationship successful. I know most people really do want to show up for the people they love every single day and if you know your loved ones Love Language, it just makes it so much easier! In my opinion, learning your love language is the best gift you can give this Valentine’s Day!
For more, check out the book, a #1 New York Times best seller, it’s been around for 25 years, but if you haven’t read this book or taken the quiz, do it now! You won’t regret it! Click on the picture below to order on Amazon.
Take the quiz and comment below with your Love Language!
