That Lovin’ Feeling
I was listening to music the other day and that great song came on sung by the Righteous Brothers, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” Can you hear the lyrics in your head? Have you ever felt that way? I know I have. Maybe you are feeling this way now. How is it that sometimes we don’t feel loved by others who truly love us? How is it that others do not feel the love we are trying hard to show?
Now I am not a therapist. I am just speaking honestly, from the heart. I also know that these are not isolated issues found only between those who are married or in a sexual relationship. It happens between parents and their children of all ages, and to friendships as we navigate this journey, we call life.
There is a book, The 5 Love Languages written by Dr. Gary Chapman. I read it years ago and revisited it recently. It has been a best seller since 2007, developing into a phenomenon, complete with a series of books for young children and teenagers. There is even a website where you can take free quizzes that will help you find out what your “love language” is. I highly recommend taking the quiz and asking your significant other to do the same, since I have seen it help strengthen relationships and give insight in my own life.
Below is directly taken from the website and will give you a brief look at what the different love languages are.
What Are the 5 Love Languages®?
The premise of The 5 Love Languages™ book is quite simple: different people with different personalities give and receive love in different ways. By learning to recognize these preferences in yourself and in your loved ones, you can learn to identify the root of your conflicts, connect more profoundly, and truly begin to grow closer.
Acts of Service
For these people, actions speak louder than words.
Receiving Gifts
For some people, receiving a heartfelt gift is what makes them feel most loved.
Quality Time
This language is all about giving the other person your undivided attention.
Words of Affirmation
This language uses words to affirm other people.
Physical Touch
To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate physical touch.
As this weekend approaches, take some time and think of how you can communicate that you love someone in their love language. You may have been telling them for months how much you love them in your own love language, thinking they are hearing it loud and clear, wondering why you are not getting much of a response back.
Regardless, have a lovely weekend and enjoy connecting with those you love.
Give Yourself Grace,
Lynn