Physical Touch!!! Who knew it? Eh? Eh? Haha. Yeah, so I started and completed The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman today. Yes, I am a bookworm. It was a very good read; I suggest it for everybody. It's good to know. I did not know until after I read it (as I was skimming through the last pages which consisted of ads for other books) that there was a version for us single folk. I read the marriage version. Doesn't change the fact that it was majorly informative. I'll probably get the singles version and read that one as well. Why not?
Anyway, if you've never read the book, heard anyone talk about it, or are totally lost, I'll give you the basics. Everybody has a love language; something that speaks to their personal emotional needs and makes them feel truly loved. If you do not speak your spouse's love language, he/she may feel rejected and unloved (this is the married version, mind you). The five love languages are: Quality Time, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Words of Affirmation, and Physical Touch. Quality Time: You want to spend time with your significant other and really talk, not just be in the same room. Acts of Service: You feel loved when he/she does things - big and small - for you without being asked and especially if you know they would normally never do those things - unless they truly loved you. Receiving Gifts: When you get gifts, your desire to feel loved is fulfilled; they don't have to be expensive - it is the thought that matters. Words of Affirmation: You need to be complimented, told how much you are appreciated, and be encouraged constantly in order to feel loved. Physical Touch: That's a no-brainer; whether it's a hug, a kiss, holding hands, cuddling, or even a brush of the hand when he/she passes by, you need it to feel that he/she loves you.
Of course, the book goes into much greater detail and gives tips on speaking the other's love language if it is not your "primary" love language. As I read through each language, I obviously pondered whether or not it was my primary one. Quality Time is a big deal to me, for sure. I knew that Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, and Words of Affirmation were definitely not it. I enjoy having things done for me sometimes; and who doesn't like getting gifts? I just wouldn't like it all the time. Not really. Words of Affirmation...I have always felt kind of uncomfortable when people complimented me a lot about something. Don't get me wrong; I love being complimented (duh). It's just not me. I got to Physical Touch, and I was sold. Haha. I took the test at the end and got the highest score possible towards Physical Touch. Quality Time was second, with the others quite far behind.
So, that's why I'm a hugger. And a dang good one at that...that's what I've been told, anyway. ;) One of the things I've gotten from being home is a lot of affection. My family - particularly my mom's side - are all touchy-feely...I love it! Papa Joe is awesome; today I took a nap in the recliner with him. Haha. So great. I think things like that are the reason Physical Touch is my primary love language, although I'm not sure how much a person's raising has to do with it. Dr. Chapman (the author/psychologist) talked a little about how children have love languages as well. Once again, everyone needs to read that book if they haven't already. If you have, I would love to know what your love language is. Just for personal knowledge. ;) Maybe you already know!
Yes, I am a dork, but you love me. And if you love me, you'll give me a hug! ;) ;) ;)
DEFINITELY words of affirmation, with a little quality time on the side...and I soooo could have guessed that physical touch was yours. easy.
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