Original article shared via sippingsunshine.com
Last year I learned about the five love languages. At the time, one of my friends sent a link to our group chat super hype about the test, which revealed the different ways people like to receive love from a partner or friendship. I am a complete geek when it comes to taking personality quizzes, so I was excited to answer a few questions and learn my traits. As a quick review, the five love languages are Acts of Service, Physical Touch, Gifts, Words of Affirmation, and Quality Time. When I took the test Quality Time ranked as my #1, followed by Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch –– Acts of Service and Gifts were my bottom two.
Taking the test was not only fun, but it gave me more insight into ways I could love myself more. So what if you are boo'd up, or single and self-loving — how do you express love without going broke? If you frequently like to keep things simple or you indulge in occasional laziness (raises hand), here's a list to serve all of your needs and wallets.
1. Walk it Out
Moving your body increases your happy hormones. Start by going for a walk, preferably at a park or beach, and take off your shoes. Okay, wait, what? Yes! This technique is called grounding, and it not only helps you get connected with the earth, but there's also numerous health benefits (I promise stepping in dog sh*t isn't one of them), and a great way to feel connected. But if getting your feet on some grass isn't your thing, simply going for a 10-30 minute walk is a great time to achieve Quality Time without spending any money.
2. Have a Play Date
Remember when we were little, and playdates were a thing? Either you had them, or your friend's invited you to them. Either way, it was designated time to play. One of my favorite playdates is going to the park and coloring. Other playdate ideas include going to a cheapie arcade, checking out a free science center (they usually have interactive activities), getting on the swings at the park, or even going to a cat/dog café if you are an animal lover. These usually don't take too much planning, and if you are feeling extra lazy, sitting outside and playing a board game is enough.
3. Positive Descriptive Praise
You are so kind and loving... yes, YOU! When I first started teaching, I learned to give Positive Descriptive Praise to my coworkers and students. I would look them in the eyes, tell them 3-5 positive traits about themselves and ended the statement with a thank you. Literally, every time I've used this method to express Words of Affirmation people either tear up or become extremely happy. Praise is free and doesn't take much time, so you can easily do this with a partner (don't worry it might feel awkward at first but their reception will help make the task easier) or look in the mirror and do it for yourself.
4. “Yasss Queen/King”
Affirming yourself or someone you love doesn't have to be super deep. Honestly, my favorite way to offer Words of Affirmation is simply giving a compliment. If I see my friend wearing a cute outfit, a quick, "Yasss skirt! I love that color,” is more than enough to put a smile on their face. You don't have to use the same phrase (but if you know, you know), however showing some enthusiasm when you give a compliment energizes the words. I see you beautiful!
5. Hugs and Booty Rubs
Okay, pause. I'm sure by reading this title you're already thinking, "I don't have a boo, how am I supposed to hug myself or rub my own a*s?" Now if you do have a partner or a willing friend (no judgment), you can ask for a long embrace or some form of sensual massage. It doesn't have to be cheek focused - a simple back rub can do the trick. You can also do this to yourself! We are capable of giving ourselves hugs and some form of sensual touch – you too can rub your booty without feeling shame LOL. I don't know the science behind this, but I'm pretty sure touch calms anxiety and stress.
6. Car Wash Date
At some point, you need to wash your car. I know this may sound crazy, but hear me out. A cute and under $10 gift is to take your partner on a car wash date. The benefits? You are moving your body (which again increases feel-good hormones), you get to be outside in fresh air, and you might get a kick out of spraying them with water if you're using the self-wash kiosk. There's also something to be said when you can be productive and have fun doing so!
7. Amazon Prime It
When all else fails, Amazon Prime is a great way to get a gift to yourself or your boo FAST, within two days to be exact. Not sure what to buy? If someone in your life is a writer, get them a journal. Maybe they love makeup, but they just ran out of makeup wipes...bingo! You can spend under $10 and get something thoughtful, and as an extra lazy hack, you can have it sent to them directly. One and done.
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Charmaine Griffin
Founder and Editor-In-Chief
Charmaine Griffin is a writer and editor from Los Angeles, CA. Her career started back in 2015 when she was freelance writing for Ravishly and started her first blog. Since then, she’s gone on to write for Control Forever, Huffington Post, LA Travel Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, and most recently as a morning news writer for Blavity. Her life is centered around wellness, art, music, tree-hugging and her love for cats, Marvel movies, tacos, and music festivals.
Instagram: @_hellocharmaine