Many types of love...

“Wuv, true wuv, will fowow you foweva. So tweasure your wuv.” 
The Clergyman The Princess Bride

Who doesn’t want true love?
<scratches head> What is true love? What is love?
 
We hear – you can only be happy if you love yourself first. Ok, so again, what is love? Have I found it? Am I there yet?
 
Well, there are many types of love… the innocent first love, a child’s love; romantic love; puppy love; empathy, compassion and kindness; the tragic love of Shakespeare; physical love… I am sure there are many more. Soooo, love?
 
Have you read “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman? I highly recommend this book. It gives some insight to what love may mean to you. To me. And how we express and appreciate love whether with our significant other or friends or even how to relate to others in general. The premise is that we all have one of 5 love languages – words of affirmation (thank-you’s), quality time, physical touch, acts of service (do the dishes, help with the kids), and receiving gifts. When we experience our love language, we feel love.
 
“(We) are joined by the bonds of love. And you cannot track that, not with a thousand bloodhounds, and you cannot break it, not with a thousand swords.” Buttercup The Princess Bride
 
I observe that most of us give what we want to receive. I am a physical touch person (duh, massage therapist) so I appreciate hugs. Pre-covid, I would hug others regularly, touch their arm while talking with them, sit closely. But that is MY love language. Not everyone appreciates a hand on their arm or a hug. I have to observe their comfort zone and what their language may be to connect with them in a sincere and genuine way.
 
So maybe love is giving. Giving what the other needs. Giving and finding what we need for ourselves. Surround yourself with those that can understand your love language and provide you with the right recipe for feeling love.
 
“This is true love. You think this happens every day?” Westley The Princess Bride
 
Truthfully, I feel we need to just acknowledge it. Maybe we don’t have to define it or name it exactly.
Recognize it. Appreciate it. Embrace it. And give. In return we receive.
 
“Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.” Westley The Princess Bride
 
Curious about your love language?
Take the official quiz here https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language


Stacy Ford, ATC, LMT is Co-Founder of Complete Wellness. An athletic trainer and a licensed massage therapist.  Her passion is to help people feel and function better. She is available by appointment only Monday-Friday at Complete Wellness, Quakertown.  
To schedule with Stacy or any other CW Practitioner Text/Call 267-509-7717

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