I lugged the garden cart into the garage and settled the smaller containers on the floor. The succulent plants are better off in the garage. They will miss the direct sunlight, but continuous freezing temperatures will ruin their leaves and flowers. The orchids also enjoy warmer temperatures, but they need diffuse light; direct sunlight will scorch their delicate blossoms. Both of these very different plants can be easily overwatered. They are both finicky. This got me thinking about the different ways people give and receive love. We all need love, but our love languages can be quite different.

The book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman lists 5 love languages as: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch. Although words of affirmation and quality time tend to be the most popular languages, love languages may also have a cultural context. It’s challenging. You and your loved ones may need very different expressions of love. Want to find out your love language? Take this love language quiz and get more information.

The poet Theodore Roethke wrote, “ Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.” Much like plants, the human need for love and light is the same, but we have unique requirements. When we receive love in our language, it goes straight to the heart. Today, I am taking a moment and considering new approaches to nourishing the light in my loved ones. Be well.