I Love You!

November 12, 2008


Dear Sweet Girls,

Another week already gone by. Our family has had a virus all week. Kind of like a cold but much worse. My husband and middle daughter are non-germ people {germ-a-phoebes}. If someone in the house is sick, they avoid us like we have the plague. I am a hugger and kisser so, when I'm sick I want to be hugged and kissed. My other two daughters who are hugger and kissers too are the ones that were sick with me this week. My husband and middle daughter are not sick at all.

Funny how we are all different in the way we view things. I feel neglected and they feel like they are being wise avoiding sickness. Which statement is true? Well, it depends on which one of us you ask. Here are two basic truths about our little plight this week. (1) When you are sick you want to be cared for and loved (my love language happens to be physical touch). (2) If you get close to someone who is sick, chances are you will get sick.

I would recommend reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. It’s an excellent book. I will share the love languages with you today and give you a slight overview; but, the book is excellent and goes into great detail. The way you receive love is generally the way you show love. So if someone speaks a different love language then it’s like you are speaking a foreign language to them. The goal is to speak the language that makes the other person feel loved. Now, when practicality is involved, be sensible. Knowing I didn’t get hugs and kisses – was quite practical and I reasoned with myself and understood. Be sensible. Don’t focus on what you get. Focus on what you can give.

Here are the five love languages:

~ Words of Affirmation This is when you say how nice your spouse looks, or how great the dinner tasted. These words will also build your mate's self image and confidence.

~ Quality Time Some spouses believe that being together, doing things together and focusing in on one another is the best way to show love. If this is your partner's love language, turn off the TV now and then and give one another some undivided attention.

~ Gifts It is universal in human cultures to give gifts. They don't have to be expensive to send a powerful message of love. Spouses who forget a birthday or anniversary or who never give gifts to someone who truly enjoys gift giving will find themselves with a spouse who feels neglected and unloved.

~ Acts of Service Discovering how you can best do something for your spouse will require time and creativity. These acts of service like vacuuming, hanging a bird feeder, planting a garden, etc., need to be done with joy in order to be perceived as a gift of love.

~ Physical Touch Sometimes just stroking your spouse's back, holding hands, or a peck on the check will fulfill this need for love.


Check out Gary Chapman's website http://www.fivelovelanguages.com/