As much as I love the fun, festivities, warmth, and smiles at Christmas, it’s not always a pleasure for everyone. One of my expat friends in China found it to be a bothersome season of parties and events he doesn’t enjoy.
Our past shapes the way we feel about things like this. A rough childhood experience may ruin something as wonderful and Christmas for some.
If you think about it, so much FOCUS on gift-giving may just as well be leaving people, like my friend, disappointed.
I’ve learned the hard way that the things that are meaningful to one of us can be completely the opposite to another, because the way each person feels or EXPERIENCES LOVE is DIFFERENT.
Maybe if we took the time to UNDERSTAND how the ones we care about feels love, we might be able to give them just the thing that will sweep them off their feet. Have you heard of The Five Love Languages?
Pay attention how ones closest to you react to the following five most common ways people perceive love and you may be able to find the perfect gift to GIVE them over the holiday season.
- Gifts – We all know this one too well. Gifts seems like a universal language of love but some of us will feel it more than others.
- Quality Time – It’ll take more than sitting side by side watching TV to make this one work. Talk, play a game, enjoy a meal or a cup of tea.
- Service – Washing dishes, mowing the lawn, ironing clothes, doing the shopping or washing the car can be meaningful in to him or her.
- Affirmation – We may feel the ones we care about know we love them, but some of us need it put into words. “I love you” is great, now be more specific in your words of love and appreciation.
- Physical Affection – Most will feel love from a kiss, a hug or a pat on the back, but for some of us that loving touch is our life line.
[shareable cite=”Abe Stone”]Everywhere I go, I find and give love. Life is joyous. #affirmation[/shareable]
