“So what’s your love language?”

This may be a strange question to hear someone ask you if you’re not familiar with Gary Chapman’s books on The 5 Love Languages. If that’s the case, then my book recommendation for July is especially relevant.

We all need and want to be loved in ways that are meaningful for us. Not just in a sexual way but also by our family and friends.

Gary’s original book titled – The 5 Love Languages gives us great insight into the five different love languages of Physical Touch; Quality Time; Acts of Service; Words of Affirmation and Gifts.

Most of the applications in Chapman’s original book are to do with you and your spouse. Thankfully Gary has added to the book series editions specifically for Singles, Children, Couples, Teens, Men and even the Military.

Gary has done extensive research with people he’s counselled to figure out these 5 specific expressions of how we naturally show and receive love. Thus enabling meaningful impact at a deeper level and helps us keep our love tanks full. Some people are self-aware and already know how they like to be loved. Others, perhaps from more emotionally challenged backgrounds, struggle to figure out what this looks like for them đŸ™‚

All of us want to show love to others and want our efforts to be appreciated. Which is why giving love the way you like to receive it works well for some, others won’t understand – is just like if you were speaking another language. If we are aware of the other ways to give love and speak their language, then we can adjust our actions to be a bigger blessing (even if it feels weird to us).

There are chapters devoted to explaining each of the 5 love languages – giving you insight into yourself and especially those who don’t respond the same way as you. There are also fantastic suggestions of actions you can do to show love to others who’s primary language is opposite to you. At the back of the book are study guides for each love language to help you process how you can apply them to your and others lives. As well as a test to help you figure you your own primary and secondary love languages.

Gary Chapman also has an excellent website – https://www.5lovelanguages.com Full of resources, quizzes, the primary test and other materials and podcasts to help you go more in-depth with this whole topic.

Once you understand what the different love languages are and what your main ones are, they can be a great resource to use with your small group/ team. Enabling everyone to be more intentional and meaningful in your expression of care for one another.

For more comments see Goodreads.com

As this book series is so popular it’s easy to find copies on Amazon, bookstores and other sites you prefer to use.