Sunday, April 17, 2011

Gettin' down to business!

I was talking to a friend the other day and we started talking about the different love languages.
Men and women do not tend to think along the same lines as far as communicating their love for one another.
It got me thinking about how Rocky and I differ in many ways from each other in that regard.
I love gifts.
I love to give gifts to show those I care about that I was thinking of them and they are special to me.
My husband, kids, family and friends.
In our 10 years of marriage Rocky has probably surprised me 10 times with a thoughtful gift.
As much as I love a big fat kiss, I'd like him to think of something thoughtful to buy me to let me know he loves and cares for me or was simply just thinking about me.
I promise I'm not shallow and it's not that I need gifts, I just feel the thought behind the gift means I was being thought about and a particular gift was something I would like.
I also like thoughtful words or the love language
"Words of Affirmation".
When he tells me I look nice I appreciate that.
When he tells me the house looks nice, I appreciate that.
I love it when he tells me I'm doing a good job with the kids or a project I did turned out great.
And he does do this everyday and I do appreciate that.
Rocky loves affection or the love language "Physical Touch".
I'm not usually one to offer affection.
I'd rather buy him a gift.
And I do.
Yet he could care less if I bought him something special or not.
He'd rather a hug, hand holding or and a big fat kiss.
So, why do we tend to profess our love language on our loved ones?
Or am I the only one who does that?
Thoughts?
I wish I knew the answer.
I've included the 5 love language and I'd love to hear yours.
Go here for the link to take the test if you're not sure.

***Rocky did take the test and I was right. "Physical Touch" is his.






Words of Affirmation


Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.


Quality Time



In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.


Receiving Gifts


Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.


Acts of Service


Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.


Physical Touch


This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.





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5 comments:

*Katie May* said...

Totally know what you are saying!

Lacey T said...

I think this "friend" was actually me. I remember how we talked about this the other night and I think it's funny how similar Brandon and Rocky are in a lot of ways and then again how much they actually differ in others. I am just like you with my love language and it doesn't make either of us shallow. It's just how we're programmed. The best part is realizing that we shouldn't project our "language" on our spouses, yet fulfill theirs and remind them of how to make us happy!

Jenny Knudsen said...

We have the exact same problem. Andrew is physical touch and I am gifts. I always have worried about it being shallow but I like how you put it better. It is because the thought behind finding something I would like means a lot to me. I am glad that you wrote this and I am also glad that I am not the only one! :)

Tiff Hunt said...

We are exactly the same in love languages. I too am gifts and words of affirmation. I read that book for book club. I think we show our love for our spouses or loved ones in our own language because that is what we're comfortable with. That's how we know how to show love. It's so hard, yet so important to recognize what our spouses love language is and work on it daily to show them that they are loved.

My hubby and I have had a really hard time with this. My primary language is gifts, and his is acts of service. He ALWAYS helps out with chores around the house and then expects me to swoon and fall at his feet for it {which I do, because what woman wouldn't LOVE help from her spouse like that!!!}. But, {here's sounding shallow} I want some sort of gift showing me that he cares. Yes, sometimes it is a gift, but sometimes I just want something else. We're working on it, and I am learning, as is he, to speak each others language. It's so tough, but well worth it in the end.

Heidi said...

I love this book.. I need to pull it out again and read it with Brandon. I can't even remember what my love language was.. I can guess but I'm going to take the test and see.