Five Love Languages:

Physical Touch

Saturday, July 15, 2017

I know what you're thinking. But, really, physical touch in this sense has nothing to do with sexual intimacy. No. That's in a category all it's own and might actually be a by-product of communicating with these other love languages. 

Physical touch is more like:

• holding hands in the car
• playing with your loved one's hair
• greeting friends with a hug instead of a wave
• literally patting someone on his/her back
• placing your hand on a person's shoulder to reassure them about something

It can be that simple. 

At this time I'd like to warn you about something. Regarding all of the love languages, if you figure out which one belongs to your loved one, NEVER withhold it from them out of anger. That can be devastating. 

I know someone who clearly thrives with words of encouragement. When his wife is angry at him, she insults him and tells him how worthless he is. I don't really think she feels that way. But she has figured out that this is the best way to cut him down and wear him out. 

NEVER use the love languages to hurt someone. That's just not playing fair. 

Lord, we've learned a lot about speaking love to each other in ways that we understand. Help us to be mindful of these methods, to develop them, and to use them wisely. 

 

The Five Love Languages: How to Express 

Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate 

by Gary Chapman (1995)

Mr. Chapman says that just like we have fuel tanks in our cars that require gasoline to work, our hearts have love tanks that need to be fueled. The five "love languages" are the fuel: words of affirmation, quality time, gift giving, acts of service, and physical touch.