Page 250 - The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts

communicate love in the proper language and thousands of
children in this country are living with an empty emotional
tank. I believe that most misbehavior in children and
teenagers can be traced to empty love tanks.
It is never too late to express love. If you have older
children and realize that you have been speaking the wrong
love language, why not tell them? “You know, I have been
reading a book on how to express love, and I realize that I
have not been expressing my love to you in the best way
through the years. I have tried to show you my love by
_______, but I’m now realizing that that probably has not
communicated love to you, that your love language is
probably something different. I am beginning to think that
your love language is probably _______. You know, I really
do love you, and I hope that in the future I can express it to
you in better ways.” You might even want to explain the five
love languages to them and discuss your love language as
well as theirs.
Perhaps you do not feel loved by your older children. If
they are old enough to understand the concept of love
languages, your discussion may open their eyes. You may
be surprised at their willingness to start speaking your love
language and, if they do, you might be surprised at the way
your feelings and attitudes toward them begin to change.
When family members start speaking each other’s primary
love language, the emotional climate of a family is greatly
enhanced.