Love is a complex and beautiful emotion that can be expressed in many different ways. One popular concept that continues to gain traction is the idea of love languages. This theory suggests that everyone has a preferred way of giving and receiving love, and by understanding each other’s love languages, we can build stronger and more fulfilling relationships.

I first learned of this concept from one of my first bosses, Candy. She was the Director of a Preschool and Daycare Center where I worked as a preschool teacher in college. She introduced this concept to me, and lent me a book on the subject. Which I will be honest, as a twenty-something year old with my first real taste of independence, love wasn’t really on my mind. But still, I read it. And it kind of sat in the back of my mind until my late twenties when I took my relationships a little more seriously.

And listen, if relationships aren’t your thing, guess what? That’s okay. Because the love languages apply to more than just romantic relationships.

But wait, let’s backtrack.

So what are these love languages exactly?

Well, according to the theory, there are five main love languages:

• Words of affirmation
• Acts of service
• Receiving gifts
• Quality time
• Physical touch

Each of these love languages represents a different way of expressing love, and each person has their own unique combination of preferences.

For me, my love language is thoughtful gestures which falls under Acts of Service. I find it incredibly meaningful when someone goes out of their way to do something special for me, whether it’s a small gesture like making me breakfast in bed or a grand gesture like planning a surprise trip.

Last week a sweet soul surprised me with La La Land for a work meeting, and the week prior to that, someone pretty rad sent me Crumbl cookies – randomly.

Now while these most recent acts are very tasty, they were so unexpected and made my day. Although people might find me boujee, and sure, I probably am… I also am simple. You don’t have to spend alot to make me happy. It really is just the thought that counts.

Take for example the Crumbl cookies, the fact the sender had no idea how my day was going but surprised me with cookies on a day that was exhausting in all senses of the word? Excuse me while cry.

One of the reasons I love thoughtful gestures so much is because they show that the person truly cares about me and has taken the time to think about what they think would make me happy. It’s not about the size or cost of the gesture, but rather the thought and effort that went into it.

Another thing I love about thoughtful gestures is that they often involve creativity and personalization. I appreciate when someone puts a unique spin on something or adds a personal touch that shows they know me well.

Understanding our love languages can be a powerful tool for building stronger relationships and expressing our love more effectively. By knowing that my love language is thoughtful gestures, I can communicate this to my loved ones and feel more fulfilled in my relationships. And by me taking the time to know and understand the love languages of those closest to me, I am able help share the love.