Love Languages: What speaks to you?

Physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time and gifts are all different love languages as Gary Chapman described in his best selling book - The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. If you're not familiar with the premise - the cliff notes are that by understanding your own love language and by speaking the language of those close to you, you can connect in a more meaningful way.

For example, if your love language is acts of service and those close to you know that - they would be more inclined to pamper you by tackling a chore and speaking directly to your heart through an errand, a load of laundry or a homemade dinner. When love language wires are crossed and someone you love isn't picking up what you're putting down, the effect can be frustration instead of admiration.

In light of Mother's Day, we asked - What is your Love Language? Do you tend to give love the way you prefer to receive it? On a day when we plan to give and receive a lot of love, we hope it hits the target.

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

My love language is Acts of Service, hands down. When my husband takes out the trash or empties the dishwasher without me asking, I feel SO seen. When I’m trying to get the kids out the door and he just jumps in to help? My heart literally swoons. That’s what makes me feel like we’re a team.

I give love the same way, like making him lunch when I know he’s busy or switching his laundry without saying a word. And honestly? I feel the same way when my daughter helps me out without being asked. She has such a caring heart. Or, when my kids listen the first time I ask them to get ready or grab their gear. I’m like YES, THIS is the good stuff. Support and appreciation as a mom of busy kids. That’s what makes me feel loved and grounded.

Ali, Book Aficionados from @The BookClubCart

Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation! I enjoy doing the small things around the house as a way to show my love to my family. As my kids have gotten older I have noticed they are starting to see the joy those little things bring to the family. Hearing an encouraging word or verbal acknowledgment also fuels me during those times when I may feel what I'm doing may not be enough.

My husband knows that morning prep for our kids is a lot and knows cutting up the apples for their snack is one of those acts of service that makes my day... Definitely miss him on those mornings when he travels! I always try to leave a note for my kids to find throughout their day. You never know when they may need that encouraging word. I have noticed that my youngest since learning to write this year has started to leave me little notes to find, too.

I have absolutely loved seeing how my whole family functions with our own preferred love languages, which greatly differs for each person. I love seeing how each connection between two can also influence the type of love language given or received.

Emilee, Book Aficionados from @The BookClubCart

Quality Time! Vacations with my family always resets me in just the way I need. On a smaller scale; coffee in the living room with my husband, game nights with my kids, family dinners we sneak in amidst a busy soccer schedule are small ways I re-connect with the people that matter to me most.

An unexpected deep and trusting conversation you have with your pre-teen while driving to a sports practice? I feel SO connected to them. My husband and I connecting over a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning before the crazy begins? The BEST. Spending time with my parents away from the normal hustle and bustle where I can just focus on our conversation? Feels FREEING.

In a time where we tend to over complicate even the simplest of things, I find it so important to protect what speaks to my heart. I find the best connection comes when I am truly giving my time to what matters. And high quality moments come often in the least expected ways!

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Acts of Service and Quality Time - all day long. Don't get me wrong compliments are nice, but when someone truly helps with a to-do-list item, I'm smitten. My husband cooks dinner - that is a daily gift. When someone switches the laundry - YES!! A kiddo notices the trash is full and take it out - thrilling. It's the little things! I also love how when my to-do-list is lightened, I have more time to spend with my favorite people. The chance to really slow down and chat fills me up - with friends, with family, and especially with my hubby and 3 kiddos. That time is precious and I cherish it dearly.

I have noticed that I tend to show love with Acts of Service as well. While I try to read the room, helping by doing is my default mode. At the same time, knowing when someone else prefers little gifts or a hug can go a long way. For one of my kiddos, a hug can make a giant difference in his entire outlook of the moment. I know my daughter really craves quality time - she'll be the first to be excited about a game night. They may not always notice the "Acts of Service" I show them, but a hug or some QT and their buckets are filled.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

Throughout the madness of the days- the cooking, cleaning, working, emails- it is the little moments that mean the most. When we all slow down to recognize each other and give a bit of our time in a sincere way. I’ve come to really notice how much we all crave Physical Touch in our own ways.

My daughter melts when I scratch her head, completely relaxed and at peace. Even the dog wants in, rolling over for a belly rub like it’s the most important part of his day. Every morning, he leaps onto me, his whole body pressed against mine in a full, joyful embrace. It’s such a simple, grounding way to start the day- reminding me how deeply we’re wired to connect through closeness and affection

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

Acts of Service! I find myself doing things for my children as an act of love, but it creates some dependency. Folding their laundry and packing their lunches are ways they can be more independent, so I'm finding other ways to show my love. As the primary chef at home, it’s hard not to have Acts of Service as your love language. Feeding people gives me such joy, but as my children get older, I’m trying to help them learn how to cook for themselves and prepare a few meals. I don't want to rob them of the opportunity to gain that skill because I was unwilling to let go of it! On the flip side, when someone cooks for me or lightens my load, I am over the moon! I feel seen and more connected to the people I love.

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