The giving of gifts is a universal sign of love.  Almost all known cultures practice the art of giving.  The gift itself is a symbol of the thought that went into choosing it– it really doesn’t matter whether it costs money, really.

Visual symbols of love are much more important to some people than others.  For some, this is their love language.  Receiving Gifts.

The good news is that if this is your loved ones ‘language’, it is one of the easiest to learn!

Problems arise concerning our perceptions of money’s purpose.  Some of us are spenders (OH, me.) and some are savers.  If you are a saver, you may experience emotional resistance to the idea of spending money as an expression of love.  By saving money you are purchasing self-worth and emotional security.  You are caring for your own emotional needs.

If you are a saver and have a loved one with Receiving Gifts as their love language, you will need to adjust your values.  You may consider gifting to be investing in your relationship.  When they feel loved, they will be much more likely to reciprocate love in a way that is meaningful to you.

No need to break the bank:

Giving WILL cost you something, but it doesn’t have to drain your pocketbook.  Instead, it may cost you:

1. A few extra minutes
   
2. A bit of planning
   
3. A little attention
   

Giving the gift of YOU is probably the one gift that they want more than anything else.  After all, that IS why you are in a relationship, right?  Your physical presence at important events and times of crisis will speak of your dedicated love to someone who’s love language is Receiving Gifts.  If they ask for you to be somewhere specifically– pay attention!  Your absence at an important time may be interpreted by them to be an absence of love.

If you have difficulty cultivating the art of giving, get some help from friends and/ or family.

Filling up the love tank:

1. Bring home a single flower
2. Call and ask if they want anything while you are out
3. Shower little gifts over the course of a day- A love note in the morning, have flowers delivered in the afternoon, bring home a little something later.
   
4. Stop somewhere each day for a week to get something unique.  Whether it be a wild flower from the side of the road or a specialty item from a little gift shop.
5. Offer the gift of your presence.  Let them know you want to be with them at any event or occasion they would like this month.
6. Give a book you think they’d like to read together with you and set aside time to do just that.
7. Give a living gift such as a plant or tree.  Your gift will live on and on!  (hopefully!!)

Gifts need not be expensive, nor must they be given weekly.  But for some individuals, their worth has nothing to do with monetary value and everything to do with love.     ~Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages

Related articles:

Quality Time- helloooo??

Words of Affirmation- Are you loved??

Do You Speak Love??