Make Sure The Message of Love Comes Through
“The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”
— Carl Gustav Jung
You say “I love you,” but does your child feel it?
You show up for your partner, but do they know how much they mean to you?
You encourage your students, but do they truly hear your support?
Love, connection, and appreciation—these are the things that bind us together. And yet, so often, the message gets lost in translation.
Maybe you’ve been there. You do something kind, but the reaction you expected doesn’t come. You offer encouragement, but it doesn’t seem to land. You go out of your way to show you care, but somehow, the other person still feels unseen.
The truth is, love isn’t just about intention—it’s about communication. And like any form of communication, if we’re speaking in a way the other person doesn’t understand, it won’t matter how much we mean it. They won’t feel it.
So how do we make sure the message of love actually comes through?
Dr. Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages explains why we sometimes miss each other’s signals, even when we’re trying our best. Everyone gives and receives love differently, and understanding these differences can completely transform the way we connect.
Here’s a breakdown of the five love languages:
Words of Affirmation – Some people need to hear love. They thrive on encouragement, compliments, and verbal reassurance.
Receiving Gifts – For others, love is in the thoughtfulness of a gift. It’s not about materialism, but the message behind it: I saw this and thought of you.
Quality Time – Some people feel most connected when they have your full attention. Undistracted, intentional time together means everything.
Acts of Service – To some, actions speak louder than words. Love is shown through doing—helping, making life easier, or showing up when needed.
Physical Touch – For many, a hug, a pat on the back, or simply holding hands is the most powerful expression of love.
Once you understand these love languages, you start noticing them everywhere.
Like the student in your class who always lingers after lessons—not to ask questions, but just to chat. They’re craving quality time, not just information.
Or your partner, who never says “I love you” as much as you’d like, but always makes sure your car has gas and your favorite snacks are stocked in the kitchen. They’re expressing love through acts of service—you just have to recognize it.
Or your friend who sends you long, heartfelt text messages out of nowhere, telling you how much they appreciate you. That’s their way of saying, I care about you, through words of affirmation.
And sometimes, the biggest communication breakdowns happen when love languages don’t match.
(Quick) Q-Tips on How Become Better at Making Sure the Message of Love Comes Thorugh
Pay Attention to Reactions
If you keep showing love in a certain way, but it’s not being felt, ask yourself: Am I speaking their language, or mine?Be Intentional
If your partner thrives on words of affirmation, make it a habit to tell them what you love about them. If your child needs quality time, put the phone down and give them your full attention.Ask Directly
Sometimes, the best way to know how someone feels love is simply to ask: What makes you feel most loved?Give Love in a Way That Lands
If someone values thoughtful gifts, consider something small but meaningful—like a Feel Loved product this Valentine’s Day, a little reminder that says, “I see you. You matter.”
We put so much pressure on Valentine’s Day—the grand gestures, the perfect gifts, the right words. But love isn’t just about one day.
It’s about the everyday moments that remind someone:
I see you.
I hear you.
I love you in the way you need to be loved.
So this February, don’t just assume the people in your life know how much you love them. Make sure they feel it.
EXCITING THINGS COMING UP!
🚨 And speaking of feeling loved—stay tuned! Starting next week, we’re diving into a new series on how to be a supercommunicator in different areas of life. We’ll explore how to deepen our connections in relationships, at home, and in the classroom.
💡 And here’s something extra special—we’re giving away FREE conversation starters for deeper connections! Whether you’re looking to strengthen your bond with your partner, your children, or your students, these prompts will help create more meaningful and intentional conversations.
Because at the heart of every great connection is one simple truth: Feeling loved makes all the difference. ❤️
