Love Languages

Love languages are languages we speak without saying words. We all have a love tank that longs to be filled. It's very interesting to learn about yours and very important that you learn what your kids' love languages are. Actually you can find out and fill anyone's love tank and it will greatly benefit both of you. You can learn and apply this to your co-workers, boss, spouse, friends, other family members, teammates, pastor, mentor. Truly, any relationship you have.

A few years ago I bought "The Five Love Languages of Children" by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell. In case you are not familiar with love languages, they are: #1 Physical Touch, #2 Words of Affirmation, #3 Quality Time, #4 Gifts, and #5 Acts of Service. The book goes into each one in depth. Personally I like all 5!

Sometimes I wonder if our love languages change as we change. When I was first married I was very insecure, so words of affirmation filled me up big time. I'm not at all saying if your love language is words of affirmation that you are insecure. That was me. Now that I have children and more to do around the house, any little act of service from Aaron makes me feel so loved and taken care of. Affirmation is still wonderful, but I don't live and breath by it like I used to.

As I've watched my boys grow, I've been keeping an eye out for their love languages. It's been interesting as they've emerged.

Gabe is a total quality time guy. Sometimes I ask him, "What is it that mommy does that makes you feel special?" He always says,"When you play with me and take walks with me." He loves it when it's just us by ourselves. He comes to life when Aaron or I fill his love tank with quality time. Aaron is so good at this. He pumps him up making him feel like he can't wait to spend time with him and goes on and on about what they are going to do. This morning Aaron put the Christmas lights on the house and Gabe thought he was the "daddy's big helper." He was singing, hugging Aaron, and very churpy.

Judah has always been a snuggle bug. His is clearly physical touch. He lights up and gets this huge smile on his face when I lay with him and talk to him sweet while tickling his face. He gets giggly. When I ask him the same question I ask Gabe, he always says,"When you kiss and hug me." Sometimes I give them multiple choice kind of questions. "Do you like it when mommy hugs and kisses you or plays blocks with you?" Their answer is always the same.

I have no idea what Isaiah's is. He's hard to figure out! Maybe he will be all 5 like me!!