I was skeptical when this book was recommended to me, but then heard the author, Gary Chapman, mentioned at a Marriage and Relationships training I attended through work at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. I figured if a research-based institution was willing to discuss the book's content, maybe I should give it a chance.
My husband-to-be and I are happy together. I'd say, except for the occasional misunderstanding, we get along very well. However, even this book was able to help us see further into our relationship.
Although the examples and anecdotes in the book connect Dr. Gary Chapman and his clients at crucial, low times when love didn't seem possible, much of what he had to say applied to our relationship as well.
It was interesting to ponder that although Craig and I love one another, the way we show that love isn't always necessarily perceived due to communication differences. He showers me with compliments (and I try hard not to roll my eyes), but I feel most loved by him when he makes dinner, puts the dishes away or gets me an aspirin when I have a headache. He says, "So, you basically want a slave?" Silly.
And although I try to show love using my love language-- acts of service-- by making his lunch, vacuuming the house and helping with the laundry, he feels more love when I acknowledge him for being a good provider. We also enjoyed participating in Dr. Chapman's activities at the end of each chapter, including asking one another, "How full is your love tank?" Which sounds gross, but isn't if you read the book.
Whether you feel your relationship is falling apart, or if you're just like me and Craig... the love is alive, but you don't want to lose it, I think The Five Love Languages has wonderful relevance. It can be a bit repetitive is my only complaint but worth the read.
Okay, so maybe I need some more substance in my life if all I review are bedtime stories. However, this is a bedtime story unlike any other I have heard or read.
