Love Language

There are many different ways to express love. You can buy a present, say "I love you" out loud, be romantic and tender physically, abide by your loved one's wishes, and so on. For centuries, thinkers have discerned forms of love: affection (storge), friendship (phileo), erotic love (eros), and service (agape).

All of these forms of love are necessary, and none are to be ignored, but all of us find some forms of love to be more "emotionally valuable" to us. They are a “currency” that we find more precious, that delivers the message of love to our hearts with the most power. In other words, some types of love are more thrilling and fulfilling to us when we receive them. Why? a) Sometimes a particular “language” is more valuable because some significant person (in your family, or your present spouse) was particularly inept at it. b) Sometimes a particular “language” is more valuable because some significant person was particularly adept at it. So now, that is how your heart is convinced that someone values you.

Taken from Love & Love Language by Tim Keller