Relationships are deeply important to our health, but they can be challenging to navigate because of one critical, overlooked aspect: Partners usually have different love languages.
Happy Valentine's Day, Brianne! This is a wonderful post -- and I really enjoyed reading it (especially that St. Valentine is the patron saint of beekeepers!!). As a perpetual bookworm, I've heard or read a good deal of the studies that you've mentioned, which are, in and of themselves, fascinating. There seems to be much more of a willingness for many to have conversations with their loved ones about what care and support and love might look like for them, especially with resources like Esther Perel, Bell Hook's All About Love, and even Brene Brown. I loved the question you asked of "how do you discover someone else's primary love language?" And it's a great question to ask even in non-romantic relationships. We all show up with love for those in our concentric circles (to various degrees, of course). Really great prompting for today!
Thanks, Sara! I’m glad to was a helpful prompt! I appreciate the suggested resources — I’ve got them jotted down to check out. (And totally, patron saint of beekeepers, who knew?!)
Brianne, great point! Utilizing our love languages to help strengthen our relationships and be there for someone is something I hadn't thought of. But it makes so much sense. I think it's easy for us to revert to what we know works for us, when that may not be the case for someone else.
Such a great post! And honestly just a good foundation for communicating with anyone we are in relationship with. It reminds me a little bit of the idea that when you're talking to a friend or partner who is upset about something, it can be important to ask: "Do you want me to listen and support or give advice right now?" Sometime we jump to advice when someone just needs to vent, or we listen when they really want us to help problem solve. Clear communication is so key and I love what you've highlighted here.
Happy Valentine's Day, Brianne! This is a wonderful post -- and I really enjoyed reading it (especially that St. Valentine is the patron saint of beekeepers!!). As a perpetual bookworm, I've heard or read a good deal of the studies that you've mentioned, which are, in and of themselves, fascinating. There seems to be much more of a willingness for many to have conversations with their loved ones about what care and support and love might look like for them, especially with resources like Esther Perel, Bell Hook's All About Love, and even Brene Brown. I loved the question you asked of "how do you discover someone else's primary love language?" And it's a great question to ask even in non-romantic relationships. We all show up with love for those in our concentric circles (to various degrees, of course). Really great prompting for today!
Thanks, Sara! I’m glad to was a helpful prompt! I appreciate the suggested resources — I’ve got them jotted down to check out. (And totally, patron saint of beekeepers, who knew?!)
Brianne, great point! Utilizing our love languages to help strengthen our relationships and be there for someone is something I hadn't thought of. But it makes so much sense. I think it's easy for us to revert to what we know works for us, when that may not be the case for someone else.
Thanks, Shelby! So true. It is one of those rare cases when the Golden Rule doesn’t quite work.
Such a great post! And honestly just a good foundation for communicating with anyone we are in relationship with. It reminds me a little bit of the idea that when you're talking to a friend or partner who is upset about something, it can be important to ask: "Do you want me to listen and support or give advice right now?" Sometime we jump to advice when someone just needs to vent, or we listen when they really want us to help problem solve. Clear communication is so key and I love what you've highlighted here.
Thanks, Mary Chris. This is such a great point — problem solving mode vs. listening mode. It really does help when we know which one is needed!