Receiving Gifts

Ah, receiving gifts, the most misunderstood, and, unfortunately, poo-pooed of the five love languages. I find in the office that people are reluctant to identify with this love language. There seems to be an underlying belief that feeling loved by receiving a gift is somehow superficial or selfish. I am here to tell you, in no uncertain terms, it is not selfish or superficial.

Part of the reason that receiving a gift is a powerful expression of love is because “a gift is something you can hold in your hand and say, “Look, he was thinking of me”, or “She remembered me”” (Chapman 1992). The gift becomes symbolic.

There is something special about having a tangible, hold-in-your-hand, visual, expression of someone’s love for you.

Now, someone who wants only expensive things, or only fancy things, or criticizes the gifts that have been given to them does not subscribe to the receiving of gifts love language. This love language, on the whole, does not discriminate on the basis of type of gift or price of gift. It’s is purely based on the thought attached to any gift given- including free ones.

In addition to trinkets, the gift of your presence is also considered part of the receiving of gifts love language. Holding space for someone, especially your partner, when they need you is invaluable to someone who speaks the receiving of gifts love language.

If you think your partner speaks the love language of receiving gifts and you just don’t know how to start learning that language, click the button below and let’s set up an appointment to start getting you guys back on track!