Week of April 1, 2019

We could all use a little creativity when it comes to speaking love and appreciation to others. Here are some suggestions that will help get you started:

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
Does someone you care about need some encouragement? If so, consider secretly reaching out to as many of their friends, family members, and coworkers as possible. Let them know you are compiling encouraging words for that person and invite them to submit theirs on a Google form you set up ahead of time. Make sure to set a deadline. Print them individually, and strategically leave them in obvious, easy-to-find places (e.g. car, pillow, fridge, desk). They are sure to delight. Thanks to Matt for the idea.

ACTS OF SERVICE
Did you know you can bring joy to an Acts of Service person even in small, possibly mundane gestures? Serve an afternoon snack, schedule the coffee machine to brew at just the right time, heat up their towel while they are in the shower (who doesn’t love a toasty towel?!). Small acts of service can go a long way. Thanks, Emily, for your suggestion.

GIFTS
Next time you are in line at your local coffee shop, order a $5 gift card and pass it along to the person behind you as you leave. Let them know that you just wanted to pass along some good will. It is surprising how in the act of blessing someone else, we often experience joy ourselves.

QUALITY TIME
If you are up for a challenge, consider taking a friend or loved one to an escape room. You’ll spend an hour or more working together to find clues toward discovering a way out of one or more rooms. It’s like a real-life puzzle for the mind. We’re not going to say it will be easy, but you’re sure to have some time together—maybe even some fun in the process. Thanks to Caroline for this idea!

PHYSICAL TOUCH
You may be surprised to learn how much a gentle pat on the upper back may mean to someone whose primary love or appreciation language is Physical Touch. When combined with encouraging words, a pat on the back is often interpreted as supportive and caring.

If you would like to suggest a creative way in which you speak a particular love language, we’d love to hear from you. Click here to send us your suggestions.

---

Please note, there are many relationships in which you can speak the five love languages. If one of the above suggestions is not relevant to your particular relationship status (e.g. married, single, parent, etc.), stick with us and know that eventually, we will get around to a suggestion that is applicable to you.