The following post was first published on OneChristianVoice.com. Check out their site for news, entertainment, events, and inspiration.
I don’t like roses. I never read romance books. And under no uncertain terms do I want anyone reading poetry to me!
According to the media and most romance movies, I am not a “romantic person.” But that’s not really true at all.
You see, my primary Love Language is Quality Time. A romantic evening to me involves hanging out with my hubby on a Friday night. I don’t need gifts or flowery speeches, just the sacrifice of his time.
In other words, my Romance Language coincides with my Love Language—and I bet the same holds true for your wife!
According to Gary Chapman, author of the hugely successful series The 5 Love Languages, all of us have a primary Love Language. When our spouses and families speak to us in this language, we hear them loud and clear, and we feel truly loved.
So if you want to introduce a little romance this Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter), stop and consider your wife’s Love Language. Here are some suggestions.
Words of Affirmation –
- Tell her you love her. If you miss this one, you’ll miss the boat entirely.
- Tell her why you love her—and be specific.
- Write a love letter. It doesn’t have to be long or filled with quotes or poetry. She’ll love the fact that you made the effort, no matter what you write.
- Write a bunch of little notes (e.g. “Be Mine” and “I’m lucky to have you,”) and scatter them throughout the house. This is a great option if you’re uncomfortable writing an actual letter.
- If her secondary Love Language is Receiving Gifts, then memorialize your love by giving her a necklace, bracelet, or wall art that tells her what she means to you. (You can find homemade, personalized gifts on Etsy.com.)
Acts of Service –
- You know that honey-do list? She wrote it down for a reason. Start there.
- Write her a coupon that entitles her to a “day off.” When she redeems it, let her put her feet up while you do all the things she would have done, from cooking dinner to doing the dishes. (Make sure you put in the same amount of work she would have. Avoid Chinese takeout and paper plates.)
- If her secondary language is Physical Touch, then incorporate it by giving her a foot rub or a back rub…after you do the dishes.
Receiving Gifts –
- Has she been dropping hints about something she wants? If it’s within reason, get it for her.
- See if she has a “Wish List” on Amazon. You can find what she wants and order it as a surprise. She’ll think you read her mind!
- If she mentions items she wants, write them down. She’s telling you for a reason.
- Give her something that fits her secondary Love Language. If it’s Physical Touch, get her a spa certificate. For Quality Time, buy tickets for the two of you to see a play, watch a special movie, or see her favorite band.
Quality Time –
- Dedicate a day to spend time with her. Let her pick the activity or destination. If she likes surprises, plan the whole day and let each event be a little surprise.
- Don’t assume your time together has to be fancy to be considered “quality time.” If she’s more of a home body, or you can’t find a babysitter, order takeout from her favorite restaurant and enjoy it together while watching her favorite movie.
- If her secondary Love Language is Physical Touch, hold her hand while you’re spending time together. If it’s Acts of Service, then spend the day helping her with whatever activity is on her to-do list, from cleaning out the garage to shopping for groceries.
Physical Touch –
- Be physically affectionate. Even something as small as holding her hand can go a long way to filling her love cup.
- Think outside the box. Consider activities that involve touching, such as going dancing. She may also appreciate different physical sensations, such as a late-night swim in the pool.
- If her secondary Love Language is Receiving Gifts, then give her a gift certificate for a couple’s massage. If it’s Acts of Service, give her a foot rub and then paint her nails (which you’ll both find hilarious).
Being romantic with your wife is easy when you know her Love Language and you’re willing to make the effort to make her feel loved.
If you don’t know your wife’s primary Love Language, then have her take the quiz at www.5lovelanguages.com. She’ll appreciate that you want to know more about her, and you can take the quiz, as well. You can also research the latest books in the 5 Love Languages series.
You only have one wife; make sure you’re speaking her Love Language!
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Does it fit her Love Language? I’d love to hear from you!