Show some real LOVE

I read somewhere the other day, that the annual candy consumption is over 25 pounds per person! WOW! No wonder we all stand to lose a few pounds. So this year why not give a heartfelt card for Valentine's Day instead, or better yet, spend the day with a loved one and create cherished memories that will last a long long time....

There was a survey done where people were asked :
What is your favorite way of showing LOVE?

Here are some of the answers:

"Doing a favor for someone when they need it"
"Practicing random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return"
"Spending time, as it is the most precious gift you can give"
"Cooking for people"
"Showing love using actions, as they speak louder then words"
"To listen carefully to others speaking...meeting those needs they spoke of!"
"To give hugs and kisses"
"Doing things for my wife stealthily-like filling up her car or reloading
  her Starbucks card" (one of my favorites)"
"I show love thru my poetry and painting"
"Give a smile"
"I show my love by baking...making a great home-cooked meal for someone"
"Truly caring about another above myself, in words and deeds"
"Greeting others with a smile, a gentle touch, lending an ear and being fully
  available to help, when someone needs you"
"Sacrificing other plans in order to lend a hand when needed"
"Lots of hugs, kisses and cookies"

I find it interesting that most people show love by giving of themselves, listening, and
doing something that the other person needs (not what we think they need). Things don't
need to be expensive to be thoughtful. My husband always helps me with the little things,
which make my life easier. He often does the dishes, and makes me coffee in the morning.
We joke and have fun together. Sometimes we read to each other. All of us have strengths and
weaknesses, and if we do what the other person cannot do, we help each other. (The main thing
is to also appreciate each other's efforts). We also love and want to be loved in different ways.

In his book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman claims that you can create a strong,
happy marriage and strong relationships if you learn to speak each other's "love" language.
Each one of us, he says, have a dominant love language:

 Words of Affirmation. This love language is marked by the desire to hear words of encouragement, praise, approval and appreciation. This person treasures hearing "I Love You".
Quality Time. This person not only wants to spend time with you, but also wants your undivided attention, with plenty of meaningful conversation.
Receiving Gifts. From heartfelt handmade gifts, to flowers, or even diamond rings, this person feels loved when you give them a token of your affection.
Acts of service. This person appreciates it when  the one you love helps you with the household chores, or walks your dog. You feel cherished and valued.
Physical Touch. To this person there is nothing better than being touched, whether it is holding hands, hugging or kissing. A foot massage makes them feel genuinely loved (Oh, YES!!).

So, there you have it. Love language is like any other language. If we can understand each other's language and start using it, we can make each other feel truly loved.

So, what is your favorite way of showing and receiving love? Whatever it is, enjoy it and do it all year long, not just on Valentine's Day.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S