The 5 Love Languages

Je T’aime or “I Love You”? They say that French is the most romantic language of all, but after reading Gary Chapman’s bestselling book, The 5 Love Languages, I would have to disagree. This international bestseller written by the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. has revived the love in millions of marriages around the world by uncovering the five specific languages that successful couples use to communicate their love for one another. These couples share a priceless love due to their understanding of the language that the other uses daily to show their affection for one another. These love languages include words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. In the book, Chapman reveals the secret to love that lasts by describing each of these languages and how to apply them to your marriage. He begins the book by describing that we all have an emotional love tank. As human beings, we all have the need to be known intimately and loved by another. When one does not have this and is isolated, it can be devastating and debilitating to them. Marriage is designed to fulfill this emotional need, or “love tank”. The Bible refers to this when it spoke of the husband and wife becoming “one flesh”. Chapman goes on to explain that learning the following love languages can help couples keep their spouse’s love tank full. (pages 19-24) The first love language that Chapman explores is words of affirmation or expressing emotional love by using words that build up. Encouraging words, kind words, and humble words are all powerful ways to communicate love. Encouraging words are meant to “inspire courage”. We all have more potential than we will ever develop, so insecurities may be holding your spouse back from doing what they enjoy. Your encouraging words show that you believe in them and their abilities. Love is also kind. Kindness is shown in the way we speak. Often times our words say one thing, but our tone of