This week’s Saturday Sidebar Question comes from Alison Lee of Writing, Wishing. She asked our writers,
“How can you tell someone you love them without using words?”
Check out what some of our World Moms had to say…
Ms. V of South Korea writes:
“By listening and being present, being willing to sit with their joy and their pain without trying to fix things.”
Ana Gaby of Indonesia writes:
“First of all, I’m a snugglebug. I kiss my boys way too much. I might not always hug them, but I’m really physical and a punch on your arm might mean I love you!
I also love throwing parties for people and hosting. I’ve thrown more baby showers and sip’and’sees than I can remember and I try to show my friends and family I care about them by trying to make their days special.
I’m also somewhat thoughtful when it comes to gift-giving and my friends are always surprised that I get them exactly what they wanted.”
Lady Jenny of France writes:
“I cook for people. I like to remember what each person likes, if they have any allergies or dislikes, how many sugar cubes in their coffee, etc. Since we have people over a lot, I get to express my love all the time. I remember things that people tell me – stories about themselves – even if they told me ten years ago. That’s another way I show my love.”
Elizabeth Atalay of Rhode Island, USA writes:
“I believe in the saying “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”, showing physical affection, kind gestures, and making food, are a few of the ways to make someone feel loved.”
Hamakkomommy of Japan writes:
“In Japan, people rarely say “I love you”. “I like you a lot” seems to be about as extreme as it gets.
One of the most common phrases used to propose is “Make my miso soup for the rest of my life.” Romantic, right? But anyway, I think in Japan love is closely associated with food. I’ve heard so many people say that a mom who makes really fabulous bentos is expressing her love to her kids, or that love is the most important ingredient, etc.”
Jenna Farelyn of North Carolina, USA writes:
“In the book “The Five Love Languages”, several ideas are presented to help show your partner you love them. Everyone has a sensitivity to the way they feel most loved. Some suggestions for a person who tends to give others small gifts would be to give them a meaningful present, something you know they value and would cherish concerning a memory you share or a place they love or a hobby they enjoy.
For a person who often shows love by going out of their way to do things for others like bringing home an extra coffee when they’ve stopped for one, or who makes sure your car is always washed and filled with gasoline, you could show love by doing some small act of service for them like making a favorite dessert, hiring a babysitter for a couple who needs a date night, having your spouse’s car detailed.
Sometimes spending quality time means a lot to a person, and getting to spend an afternoon or a day alone with you doing whatever comes to mind can be a great way to show someone their importance to you. The last two “love languages” are physical touch and words of affirmation. Making a point to be affectionate in return to someone who is affectionate with you shows them love, and being verbally appreciative and complimentary by way of speech or in writing is a way to show love to a person who values words of affirmation.”
Jennifer Burden of New Jersey, USA writes:
“I taught my girls the baby sign for love before they could talk. It still melts my heart when they use it! And also, I think doing things to make someone’s life easier is a great way to show love.”
Meredith of Nigeria writes:
“I also taught my children the sign language for “I love you”. Believe me, it comes in handy when my first grader gets out of the car in the car line each morning, and he can sign it to me. He’s already at that age where he doesn’t want to look “uncool” by telling me he loves me in front of his friends. But, I see the sign language and my heart is so happy.
I try to teach my children that we show love through our actions and in how we treat others. Also, we can show love by helping each other out. Jenna Farelyn, “The Five Love Languages” is a great read and it is so true that each of us has our own “love language”. Every couple should read it. It is very thought provoking. I am learning a ton about my husband and myself.”
What about you… in what ways do you tell the people you care about “I love you” without using words?
And do you have a question you would like to pose to our WMB writers? If so, email us at wmbsidebareditor@gmail.com to see what they have to say.
This Saturday Sidebar question has been compiled and edited by World Mom, Eva Fannon.
– World Moms Blog
Photo credit to viZZZual.com. This photo has a creative commons attribute license.
Love this post with Valentine’s Day in the USA around the corner! And, I Loooove: ““Make my miso soup for the rest of my life.” as a proposal in Japan. So cute!!
Jen 🙂