Articles

When Your Partner's Love Language is Receiving Gifts

by Nicole Arzt Professional Freelancer
Have you and your partner taken Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages test? As a therapist, it's one of my favorite tools for showing couples how each individual has differing needs and wants within the dynamic.

Understanding the Language of Receiving Gifts

According to Dr. Chapman's theory, some people experience the strongest form of love when receiving tangible gifts (or tangible acts of expression). Unfortunately, liking gifts can get a bad rep- some people mistake that "liking" gifts is synonymous with being materialistic.

Instead, think of it this way: where some people feel the most love from acts of service (like doing the laundry or dishes), others feel the most love from a simple touch (hug or kiss), and others feel the most love when receiving a surprise gift or token of affection.

When it comes to receiving gifts, it's often the thought that counts (we all know that cliches exist for a reason) as opposed to the actual monetary value or quality of the gift itself.

How to Actually Give the Right Gifts

Start by paying attention to what your loved one likes! Where does he or she spend energy on? If they had a hundred spare dollars lying around, what do you think would be the first thing they'd want to buy.

Gaining an inventory of appropriate gifts matters- and remember: money isn't everything! 

In my work with clients who have the "gift receiving" love language, most of them acknowledge that the "timing" of the gift can matter more than the gift itself. Surprising your loved one can go a long way in making them feel special and cherished.

And, I'll tell you this: many of them love homemade, close-to-free goodies just as much as anything you can buy in a store.

A few of my favorite examples:
  • creative expression (song, poem, drawing, collage)
  • creative gift certificates
  • basket of favorite food
  • handwritten note or card
  • gratitude list
  • homemade meal

Talk With Your Partner! 

We all know the benefits of healthy communication, but are you actually following those principles when it comes to interaction with your partner? Are you actually allowing yourself to be your best self when it comes to your relationship- or, are you just running on a proverbial auto-pilot?

At a neutral time (as in, not just before, during, or right after presenting a gift), assess what is and isn't working with your partner. How happy does he/she feel with what you're able to provide? Where would they like you to grow?

Healthy relationships require healthy feedback- that's how all of us grow and thrive! 

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About Nicole Arzt Junior   Professional Freelancer

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Joined APSense since, March 2nd, 2018, From Orange County, United States.

Created on Apr 18th 2018 16:13. Viewed 481 times.

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