January 30, 2013

ON LOVE LANGUAGES.


Since that lovey holiday is coming around the corner, I think it's perfect timing to talk about love. Of course, as someone who's single, love isn't something I think too much about in the romantic way. Okay, I do think about it. A lot. But only because I hope to experience that someday.

But related to love are those Love Languages--you've heard of them, right? Previously, I never really paid much attention to the whole love languages thing. It wasn't really on my radar because I thought it was only for couples. You know, those romantic couples.

Little did I know that love languages are something that everyone should know and that learning about my love language and the love languages of my friends and family would not only change how I think, but how I love myself and those around me, too. Phew, that was a loonnng sentence.

Anyway, I took the quiz not too long ago and discovered that quality time is my love language.  I never really thought of myself as someone who loves and values time, but then I realized just how much I crave spending time with the people I love most. I honestly don't care what I end up doing with my friends and family as long as I get the chance to just be with them and enjoy their company (in the least creepy way possible, of course). I also find myself missing and feeling left out when I don't get to spend time with my loved ones.

But let me back up for a second. For those of you who aren't familiar with the Five Love Languages--the five categories for showing/receiving love are acts of service, receiving gifts, words of affirmation, physical touch, and quality time. These five categories are all ways people feel loved. When you take the quiz, you answer questions based on these five categories. The results don't just place you in one love language, either. The other two areas I scored highly in were the affirming words and acts of service categories.

Now that's not to say I don't love getting gifts or hugs. Because I do, I just don't need them to feel loved and appreciated. In fact, I'm one of those girls who loves her personal space and I love opening presents, too.

But back to the love languages. Taking the quiz and sharing my results with my mom and sisters made me realize that love really does come in all shapes and sizes and that as a sister, daughter, and friend, I need to acknowledge the similarities and differences I have with my loved ones and push myself to love them in the way that they feel loved most.

Because loving is something that God created me to do. He's also the best example of hard-core, pure love out there.

10 comments

  1. Quality time is my love language too! Actually, until now, I wasn't exactly sure how it fit with me. But the way you put it, "craving time with loved ones" is so me! I find I just want to be with Matt, my family, friends, even if we're just sitting together doing nothing or watching TV. It does conflict with my introverted self a bit, considering I love my "me time". But when I want to come out of my shell all I want is just the presence of my loved ones. Great post! :)

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    1. That's crazy that we're the same love language. And I totally agree, I crave time with loved ones AND time alone. Yay for fellow introverts! :)

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  2. My top 2 were tied at words of affirmation and touch, which does not surprise me in the least, ha! Not sure if it's because of past relationships, but I really feel the most loved when someone is explaining to me how they feel about me, or giving me lots of hugs/cuddles. Quality time barely missed my top two, which always is no surprise to me :)

    Thanks for sharing this quiz!

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    1. No problem! I love finding out what other people's love languages are just as much as I loved finding out about mine. It's so interesting how a simple quiz can tell us so much about each other and how we can each other, too.

      And hugs and words of affirmation are always good. :)

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  3. I love these. I just took the test again and quality time was the main one followed by receiving gifts. It just makes so much sense about who I am and how I show my love. I alwwayyyys want to get the perfect gift for people to show my affection and appreciation for them. I always focus intently on giving people my full attention and being present with them. It now makes sense because those are the things I need to feel loved.

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    1. Yes! I loved putting a name to what I love and how I like to be shown love. And I'm definitely the same way, I always want to get the perfect present for others. :)

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  4. Ever since reading the five love languages I try to apply it to all my friendships and relationships, not just between my fiance and I. Its sooooo helpful.

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    1. Yes, it really is helpful and that's what I love most about the Love Languages. :)

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  5. Way to go sister! There is so much to do during singleness but most people just waste time! I think our story would really be a great encouragement to you and the joy of waiting on God's timing. Our full story is posted on our wedding website but we plan to migrate it over to our blog soon. Ecc. 3:11 and Proverbs 19:21 were so insightful to us. We also just got back from the Love and Respect marriage conference which Sarah actually went to as a single many years ago. You must check it out if you never have!! We've noticed our love languages definitely change in different seasons and that's been the biggest difficulty...to appreciate and learn something new about each other and ourselves!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! I definitely agree with you, there are definitely some things that I know won't be able to do as easily when I'm married or in a relationship.

      And I love those verses you shared--they're definitely good ones. I'm going to have to write those down for future reference. I also love Jeremiah 29:11, another verse of wonderful encouragement for me.

      And I never would think that my love languages would change with time. But that is so true and something I definitely need to keep in mind.

      I will definitely check out your story and blog soon! You and Sarah sound like a wonderful couple!

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© IN ITS TIMEMaira Gall