I like to say I’m multi-lingual. I don’t speak Chinese, or even Spanish, but when it comes to love languages I’m fluent. Or at least “fluid” as my husband would say. And even then I’m afraid it’s often a one-sided conversation.
You know the 5 love language idea that Gary Chapman popularized… How each of us have a primary way we feel most loved – through words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, physical touch, or acts of service. These are ways we express and interpret love.
The thing is I love them all. I’m not picky. I love receiving love in ALL these ways!
I came home the other day and my husband John had taken down both Christmas trees and TOTALLY cleaned out and reorganized our storage room. I thought, “Boy, do I have an ear attuned to the love language of service!” Best Christmas present EVER!!
I SO wish I had a “before” picture so you could appreciate the enormity of this gift!
It got me to thinking though…You know how when you know a little of a foreign language it’s easier to understand what people are saying than it is to actually speak the language? That’s kind of how I feel. I have a lot more receptive language than expressive language.
How does anyone become more fluent in a foreign language? Practice, and spending time with those who speak it well, right?
What would happen if we practiced speaking the love language of those closest to us today? What if we paid more attention to the people around us who speak “love” most fluently and learned from them? Like learning in “Love Immersion School”.
How do you like to be loved? What love language are you trying to become more fluent in speaking? I’m going to try to work on the love language of service today.
wow, I am impressed with the organization and cleanliness of that storage space Laura! I dare say I am not going to post a photo of ours!!
I have noticed that I like to ‘speak’ the love language that I like to ‘hear’ most. The ways that are less heart warming (although they ALL are very welcome, of course) I am less likely to spontaneously jump to. I wonder if that is the way we are all naturally wired and why we need to work on our fluency?
This is a great post! My son in law speaks 5 languages. My daughter is trying desperately to become fluent in his native language. What you said about needing to practice, and study is so true…….we need to do the same to learn the language of our spouse. I love this! Thank you.