VALENTINE: THE ART OF LOVING

Be it the religious story of 2 separate priests named Valentine martyred in the 2nd century or the courageous one of yet another St. Valentine, who not only secretly wedded Christian soldiers forbidden to marry but also healed his jailer's daughter- the various legends connected to this day all boil down to one selfless act of service called love. Although love is to be celebrated every day, there's just this extra spice that comes with the world celebrating their individual special persons on the same day!

There are a million and one ways to show a loved one how much you care. However, it could get a bit confusing when deciding on what to get for your boo or bae. Now, this doesn't mean that Valentine's is not for the 'boo-less' and 'bae-less' folks like some of us. It's generally a season to show love to anyone we claim to truly care about, so there is always enough love to go around — plenty of it.

It's one thing to give love, and another thing to receive it. We all receive love differently, and you want to make sure that the special person feels loved in the best possible way. In as much as you want to give love, ensure you are giving the right expression of it — just like communication. In order for it to be effective, you have to speak the right language! 

We all know that there are 5 love languages according to Gary Chapman. However, a 6th love language may just have been discovered. And trust me, no one is free, everyone has a 6th love language.

1. GIFTS

When it comes to gifting within the context of love languages, it's not just about giving presents but also about the thought put into them. Planning and searching for something extra spec inial is particularly valuable here. You can click here for some amazing gift ideas.

2. QUALITY TIME

If a two-hour date in an Italian restaurant makes your heart merry, quality time just might be your primary love language. Marked by a conscious effort to be present, quality time can involve meeting for a meal, going for a walk, or even putting away the laundry together. Regular dates and unplugging for a heart-to-heart can be especially important to someone who is loved best through quality time. This year's valentine, you may want to emphasize the "QUALITY" in quality time. T for thanks.

3. PHYSICAL TOUCH

We all have at least one friend who feels most loved by a warm hug. Perhaps you also know someone for whom a hug would be intrusive (please just keep your hands to yourself). Both cases are on opposite ends of the spectrum of this love language. Physical touch refers to what is most appropriate or suitable for a given relationship. Though there is an important difference between sexual and nonsexual physical touch, there are a number of different manifestations of this love language. 

4. WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

A good compliment goes a long way for someone who values words of affirmation above all else. Words of genuine support and encouragement are treasured — and missed if they don’t go deeper than the surface level or feel like they have to be coaxed out. Spoken or written words of affirmation blossom in the hearts of those who speak this language.

5. ACTS OF SERVICE

Actions they say, speak louder than words. The most piercing kind of love for some people is found in having someone tangibly share or carry life’s daily tasks and burdens. 

For someone who values acts of service most, even cheerful help with mundane tasks — especially when things may be a little more demanding than usual — can mean the world. 

6. MONEY

It's called Ego in the Igbo language! Òwó in the Yoruba language!! Dinero in Spanish!!! Whatever it is called in your language, it definitely makes you smile when received. Nothing makes anyone smile better than waking up to a credit alert on a valentine's morning (argue with your keypads).

So as you go about giving love to that special someone, do not forget to include the 6th love language.