Are you speaking the right love language this Valentine's Day?

As Valentine’s Day approaches, stores are filling up with hearts and people are wondering how to express their love to the people they cherish. However, many people do not realize that you can express and receive love differently. There are Five Love Languages, as developed by Gary Chapman, and knowing these may help find that perfect way to tell loved ones how you feel.

The most well-known Love Language is called Words of Affirmation, which is when you are most comfortable telling people that you love them, you appreciate them, and/or you enjoy having them in your life. You may also feel most comfortable with receiving love this way as well but you could be more comfortable receiving love in a different manner.

The next Language is called Giving and Receiving Gifts. An example would be a gift that is given that reflects what the other person truly likes or values.

The third Language is Acts of Service. This Language entails doing activities for others like washing the car, helping them put together furniture, or even cooking their favorite meal.

Quality Time is the next Language in the list and this one entails simply doing an activity where the other person has your undivided attention. This could include having someone teach you something new that they enjoy, as long as you spend that time with them.

The last Love Language is Physical Touch. This language includes hugging, cuddling, holding hands, or even sitting next to the person. I’m always a fan of back rubs myself.

These Love Languages are a reminder that not everyone expresses love the same way, and the person you are trying to connect with may need another language than what you are comfortable receiving. You can also look these up online at www.5lovelanguages.com.

Brianne Wooldridge is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic in Gillette, Wyoming. The medical clinic serves children ages 2 weeks to 18 years old; and counseling services for children 4 years old to 21 years old. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information, call 307-688-8700. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and Campbell County School District.