By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Dr Gary Chapman may have officially identified Five Love Languages - Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service and Physical Touch - but at AGFG, we’re heavily petitioning for a sixth: Food, in all its gloriously romantic ways.
Until that happens, we’ll be using the existing offerings to present to you: ‘How to speak the Five Love Languages to the Foodie in your Life’, just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Quality Time: sharing meals…and memories:
There's an undeniable intimacy in sharing a meal, especially for couples - where it's not just about satisfying hunger, but also about connecting on a deeper level.
This Valentine’s Day, take the time to sit down, savour each bite and engage in meaningful conversation to amplify the bond with your favourite foodie. Set aside distractions, make that reservation at a new restaurant you’ve been meaning to check out or cook up a storm together. It's not just about the meal on the plate but the memories you create around it.
Receiving Gifts: edible examples of affection:
Gift-giving delivers a particularly delicious dimension when it revolves around food. Whether it's a box of artisanal chocolates, a gourmet picnic hamper or a homemade cupcake, food gifts speak volumes.
They say, ‘I know what you love’, ‘I care about your happiness,’ and ‘I pay attention to your cravings.’ So, the next time you're pondering a present, consider skipping the socks for something deliciously thoughtful that resonates with their taste buds.
Words of Affirmation: cooking up compliments:
Whether you shout it out loud (‘Wow, this is delicious!’), or say it more subtly (a simple, satisfied ‘mmmm’, should do the trick), wooing your loved one with genuine compliments and words of affirmation when they have taken the time to whip up your favourite food, is sure to show them that you love them.
It will also no doubt encourage them to continue to create the kind of culinary creations designed to make your heart - and probably your waistline! - swell.
Acts of Service: crafting culinary delights:
There's certainly something magical in preparing a meal for someone. It's not just about feeding them but showcasing your love through culinary expertise. Spending hours in the kitchen perfecting your dear foodie’s favourite dish or surprising them with breakfast in bed isn't just an act; it's a declaration.
The kind that says, ‘I love you so much, I am willing to forgo sleep and get up at 6am to freshly squeeze your juice because I know how much you like it!’
Physical Touch: feel your food:
While your Mother may have warned you against playing with your food, in this instance, we heavily encourage it. Take your cue from your favourite films that depict shared meals as intimate, even erotic experiences, and embrace the allure of sharing a dessert, feeding each other bites or even a playful food fight to embrace this tactile love language and add a layer of sensuality to your relationship.
