Love Languages, Camping Edition
I have been realizing recently the inadequacy of the word ‘love’. I tell my child “I love you!” and I also say, “I love chocolate”! I’m hoping my children know that the love I have for them is far beyond my love for chocolate. The thing that resonates with me the most when I think about love for people is the reminder that love is an action, not a feeling. I’m so lucky to have a life full of love and I don’t want to take it for granted. This includes romantic love, love of children, parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, animals… we love and are loved by many. This Valentine’s Day, as I think about how grateful I am to love and be loved by many, I’m reminded to continue to nourish these relationships, and there’s no better way to do that than through actions.
I learned about Gary Chapman’s Love Languages many years ago and it has helped me in numerous relationships. The big idea is that people have a “language” for showing and feeling love. Sometimes, if we “speak” different languages, we can feel unloved. But, it’s most likely that the person/people that we are hoping to feel love from is telling us we are loved, just with a different language. Here I will share the universal love languages but through the lens of camping, whether it's a best friend, someone you are getting to know or someone you are committed to. Trust me, these actions will make the trip memorable for them.
Adrienne showing her love by taking off her limited free time to go camping with our family.
Words of Affirmation
This love language is “verbal compliments that express love and affection”. When camping this could sound like…
“That dinner you made was so delicious!”
“I’m so impressed with how you pushed through that tough moment.”
“You’re an inspiration for me.”
Physical Touch
This love language is “sexual and non-sexual that shows love”. When camping this could look like
Giving lots of hugs - in the morning, before bed
A back or foot rub
Zip those sleeping bags together!
Quality Time
This is “focused and undivided attention together”. This is one of the love languages that is so often met through the experience of camping. Often away from work and screens, people find that they can be more connected. When camping this can look like
Sharing stories while looking at a fire or the stars
Talking on the trail
Taking a break from the tasks of setting up camp and having a swim in a lake
Acts of Service
This is “any act that eases the burden of responsibility”. Oh, there are abundant opportunities for this on a trip! This could look like
Setting up someone’s tent
Going to get water from the stream
Getting up early and making coffee
Ben showing his love by cooking an amazing meal in the Broughton Archipelago.
Receiving Gifts
This is “physical objects that reflect thoughtfulness and effort”. When camping we have limited stuff with us, but this could include:
Bringing a surprise chocolate bar for when you get to camp
Sharing a beautiful item you’ve seen like a flower or a rock (not to be picked and taken home according to Leave No Trace ethics)
A photo book of memories after the trip
What’s your dominant love language? Choose one action, today, to tell someone you love them.
