The language of love-giving and receiving


 As I limp through another February 14th with no valentine (I'm not bitter, I promise), it got me thinking about the supposed 5 love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service and receiving gifts. How do I like to 'give' love and 'receive' love? Are they the same thing?

Receiving love

I've always loved a cuddle and to me, physical affection and especially intimacy is what sets relationships apart from platonic friendships. I don't want my friends to give me a kiss on the lips or forehead, smack my bum as they walk past or be intimate with me but I do want that from my romantic partner. 

I'm not into receiving gifts: it's one of the reasons I don't particularly like my birthday and I'm a big believer in 'actions speak louder than words' so while I hope my partner says they love me but I'd rather they show me especially though physical touch. 

Giving love

While I love receiving physical touch, I'm a little bit funny about giving it. I'm afraid of rejection or always assume someone wouldn't want me to cuddle or touch them so I need them to make the first move. I'm such an introvert that I don't like to spend too much time with people unless I really like/love them, therefore I think quality time might be my giving love language. I can count on one hand the people who I get really excited to see and get a feeling of not wanting to say goodbye to. Without sounding incredibly brattish and selfish, giving my time is my favourite way to give love purely because I don't like spending too much time with people.

Now the problem is finding someone who's 'giving' is physical touch and 'receiving' is quality time... Surely that shouldn't be too hard?

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