How to Communicate Love

By Divine Grace Segunla

Can you imagine a world without love? I can’t and I bet you can’t too. As the saying goes, “love makes the world go round” but I say love makes our world. Love is like oxygen that keeps us alive. Love is the very thing that makes life worth living. Without love, we are like zombies who just go through our daily routines but at the end of the day, we find no sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. What a tragedy that would be.

Sadly, statistics show that today one out of two marriages end up in divorce. I believe the reason being is the failure to lay down the proper foundation from the very start. For a relationship to last, it should be established in love. But what has happened? The number of broken families is ever increasing and the ones that are most affected are the children. I know how hard it can get being a product of a broken family myself.

I do believe that we can do something about it. William James said, “The deepest desire in human nature is the craving to be appreciated [or loved].” If each individual would do their part in showing love to the people around them, I am certain that the world will be a whole lot better. And the rate of divorce and break-ups would skyrocket downward.

If you’re with me, let’s find out how to make special people in our lives know they are truly loved.

Ever heard of the five languages? I discovered the concept from an excellent book, “The Five Love Languages” written by Gary Chapman. According to Chapman, there is an effective way of expressing love that the other person will understand. We can do that by communicating love using the five love languages.

There are five love languages:
• Quality Time
Some people believe that the best way to show love is by spending time, doing things together and just giving each other undivided attention. Going on a date, a vacation or just simply hanging out talking about each other’s concerns and interests are some ways of spending quality time with a loved one.

• Gifts
A present, doesn’t have to be expensive at all, can mean so much. Please do not forget birthdays and anniversary more than any other occasions. If you’re not good with dates, please by all means don’t make yourself forget.

• Acts of Service
Nothing can beat an early breakfast in bed prepared all by yourself, offering to wash the dishes, drive her to work and doing a favor. A small act of service can send a powerful message of love.

• Physical Touch
Sometimes, a pat in the back, a peck on the cheek, holding hands and a big hug can make your loved ones’ day.

• Words of Affirmation
This is when you appreciate your special someone, saying thank you, I love you and I miss you will surely fill the ‘love tank’.

Each of us has a primary love language and our main responsibility is to find out which of the five our loved ones want to receive most of the time. It can help to ask some questions, what do they request most often? How do they express love? What do they complain the most? Or better yet, grab a copy of Dr. Chapman’s book.

Dr. Chapman said, “Love is something we do for someone else.” Love isn’t just about feelings. Love is an action. We need to make a decision everyday to communicate our love to the people closest tour hearts.

To get a copy of the book, click here.