First off, if you're a newbie to the Five Love Languages world, fear not, I'll explain what each one means and how to really cater to which one most relates to your partner. Now keep in mind that these do not just apply to people who are in love. They remain true across the board on how you can best relate to anyone you love; your parents/children, roommate, boyfriend/girlfriend, siblings, best friends...anyone. Everyone has at least one primary way that they receive love the most. Although I'm not a fan of putting people in categories, I've never seen these five categories fail. The five love languages are; Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.
Now first, if you're going to go along with any of the date ideas I have below, you'll have to figure out which one applies to your partner. With some people it is really obvious or easy to figure out which one applies most to them. But others, you just have to ask or seriously think about. When I was first introduced to the idea of the Five Love Languages I was in my first year of working as a camp counselor at Jumonville and everyone on staff had to figure out and then share which language most applied to them. This was a brilliant idea because for the entire summer we would be together and working very closely, we really needed to know how each of us felt loved and appreciated if we wanted to properly support each other and our campers once they arrived.
So how do you figure it out? Well first, imagine the human who you think really loves you. (When I first did this I imagined my brother, since he's basically my best friend.) Now, how do you know that person loves you...and don't try to say "because they're my mom and they have to," that's a cop-out, you've got to really think here. So for example, I know my brother loves me because; he encourages me to do great things (words of affirmation), he gives me meaningful gifts that he knows I'll really like (receiving gifts), he drives me places when I need a ride (acts of service), he always hugs me when I see him (physical touch), or he's always been there for me (quality time). While all of these statements may be true, whichever one of those holds true the MOST with you, is your primary love language. For me, the one that is the MOST TRUE, is that my brother has always been there for me, making me a quality time person. If none of this makes sense, there is a little test you can do on the Five Love Languages website you can take, but it only talks about a husband/wife relationship so, you can still take it if you're not married but just keep in mind the Love Languages are not JUST for married couples.
Now, onto some Pittsburgh-themed Valentine's Day date ideas......
From The Handmade Valentine website. |
2) For the Acts of Service lover: this person cannot get enough of when the one they love offers to help them out, even if it's just some everyday chore, and broken commitments to helping out really hurt them. If your lover is this type of person...stay in! If you're not living together then invite them over to your place, or if they wouldn't mind, take over their kitchen. Make them relax (with their feet up, of course) while you prepare something yummy for the two of you, even if that means heating food up and just nicely setting the table. Transform your dining area into a nice restaurant and dress up a little...the extra effort will not go unnoticed! Then after dinner, you two can fight over who gets to clean up, the Acts of Service person usually likes to serve just as much as they like to be served.
From the City Data website. |
4) The lover of Physical Touch: this does not mean that this person is all about the sexual aspect of your relationship and that's it, but they could be defined as that "touchy" person everyone knows. Hugs or a pat on the back go a long way with them and they appreciate when people are accessible to them. If your lover is this kind of person, as long as you're holding their hand throughout the date, they are happy. But, if you're in the Pittsburgh area, come downtown for a date night at The Rink at PPG Place. This Saturday they are having special prices for couples and the first 108 women get a free flower...awwww. And, don't use the excuse that you're a horrible skater, because your touch loving partner, will love holding your hand to skate and falling all over each other all night.
Part of The Priory's courtyard. |
So what am I doing for Valentine's Day? MJ (my perfect boyfriend) and I are doing a double-dose of it this year. This weekend we are doing what I want to do, AKA: see a sappy chick flick (The Vow!!!!) and then next weekend we're doing what he wants, so I'm taking him to the Pittsburgh International Auto Show (I even scored us a discount). Since we rarely get to see each other, between our busy schedules and the distance...being able to spend two weekends in a row together is a big deal to us. And nothing says forever love like coupons and compromise.
Chelsea! I love this! You are so creative! Love you a lot!
ReplyDeleteSandi
Thanks Sandi - glad you're enjoying the read!
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