Love Languages
If there is something we all have in common, it is the desire to be loved and nurtured. Although we all have this same experience, the way we give and receive love is entirely unique to the individual. Whether the love is spread by means of baking a sweet treat, writing a heartfelt original song, or buying a drunken slice of Frank & Andreas for a loved one, we all experience and give love every single day. In the 1992 book, “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate,” author Gary Chapman dives into the five “love languages,” words of affirmation, quality time, giving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Because it can be awfully confusing navigating the five categories, I have created a cheat-sheet guide to each one:
Words of affirmation:
The NoteIt app allows you and your Valentine to leave digital notes that are left on your lock screens. These little love notes are an unexpected yet sweet way to remind your Valentine that you are thinking of them.
Quality time:
One of the best ways to spend uninterrupted time with your Valentine is by playing a fun card game. We’re Not Really Strangers has a perfect card game to deepen and create relationships through their various levels of self reflecting questions and carefully crafted wildcards. The original card game, as well as the friendship, relationship, family, and plenty of their other packs will without a doubt spark deeper conversations between you and your Valentine.
Giving gifts:
What is more romantic than sharing a greasy slice of pizza with your Valentine? Sharing a heart shaped pizza with your Valentine of course! Every year, various pizza shops offer their Valentine’s Day special of heart shaped pizza, and you and your Valentine certainly do not want to miss out. A few of the local business offering the festive deal are:
Mama’s Pizza - St. Paul
Galactic Pizza - Uptown
Pizza Luce - Minneapolis
Randy’s Pizza - Oakdale
Acts of service:
Nothing beats a good surprise… plan a surprise date for your Valentine! This is an opportunity to get creative and think outside the box. Surprise them with their favorite meal, a private movie, a museum date… the options are truly endless. Think Ross and Rachel’s date in Friends at the planetarium. The most important thing is to be thoughtful in your act for it to be meaningful to your Valentine.
Physical touch:
Besides the obvious, a creative way to give physical touch to your Valentine is through a local dancing class. Live out your La La Land dreams with dance classes available all around the Twin Cities that offer couples lessons at various price points. Support local studios and get closer with your Valentine!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Ava Ekman