How Do You Express Love?

As a mother of twins, it is always a treat when I get to spend extra time alone with one of my sons. Recently, I was sitting with my son while he was taking a bath. As he laid back in the tub, his ears were covered by the water. He was completely relaxed, listening to the sound of his own breathing and the water sloshing in the tub. While gently massaging his scalp to rinse the shampoo from his hair, I asked him, “How does that feel?” He answered, “I love you too.”

Since that touching moment, I have been thinking a lot about how love is communicated. I wasn’t directly saying “I love you'” to my son, but by giving him extra time and nurturing he felt my love. In this case, the water muffled my words but the true sentiment of my actions was clear. Sometimes, our attempts to show love are muffled, muddled and misconstrued. Author Gary Chapman describes Five Languages of Love: words of affirmation, quality time, giving and receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. If we want someone to feel loved, we must consider the way that they receive love. Knowing your language and that of your loved ones can deepen your connections and make your relationships more satisfying.  Whether you are in a romantic relationship or not,  I encourage you to take a moment to explore how your love is both communicated and received.