Photo Credit Hello Aesthe
Still, The 5 Love Languages (and its many sequels, including The 5LL of Children) have sold more than 20 million copies. Clearly, people are looking for something.
I sometimes poke fun at this armchair psychology, but despite actual scientific evidence to the contrary, it still rings true for me. My love language? Care and Feeding.
Maybe that’s not in the original five, but hear me out.
In recognition of life’s highs and lows, I will probably cook for you. Got dumped? Brownies will be provided. Big promotion? Bread and jam will appear. Under the weather? Soup’s on. I like baking for people so much that I started a micro-bakery, and I’m your go-to for potluck treats. Then I check in (that’s the Care part). Did you like it? How are you doing?
(OK, maybe I like Words of Affirmation, too. A gold star
never hurt anybody. I did love bringing home a spotless report card.
On the opposite end of the recognition spectrum is my husband. He’s an engineer, through and through, and his LL is Acts of Service. He’s remarkable in the way he quietly takes care of all of us. No showboating, just steady, thoughtful support. He maintains our lovely old house, which always has a project going. He handles the car repairs and service, where I’m hopeless. Even his literal gifts are service-adjacent. My slippers were flat and falling apart, so he got me an extra-fluffy new pair for Christmas. My favorite non-stick pan stopped non-sticking, and an upgrade was under the tree.