After two months of looking at conflict, we spent this month looking at love. How do we love? Who do we love? And what are our love languages? Love is the greatest act we do in our lives. But are we aware of how we do it and are we aware of the fact that others are loving us with a different love language?

The five love languages as described by Dr Chapman are:
• Time
• Gifts
• Service
• Touch
• Affirmation

Each of us looked at our families and parenting model and discussed what their dominant love language was and then looked at ourselves and explored what love language we give the easiest. It was a smaller group than usual. This allowed for lots of dialogue and sharing of stories. There was a lot of discussion around whether you can ask for your love language from your friends and partners. There were varying opinions on this from; definitely not “ if I ask for flowers it ruins the joy, it becomes flat” - to; you definitely can “as by asking for love you are actually affirming the other as needed and allowing them to be a major part in your healing”. One guy in the group when he saw his dad after 3 yrs really felt he needed to be touched by his dad and said “Dad, I really need you to hug me.” His ability to ask released a beautiful moment and a lot of healing. There were still a lot of questions unresolved at the end of the meeting but hopefully more clarity and insight will be forthcoming at the day retreat on Sat 10 May from 2pm to 5pm at Sans Pareil.