How do you express your love?
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, PhD, wrote about the ways we give and receive love more than 25 years ago. The book series has sold more than 12 million worldwide, and has been explained in taco-memes and more.
No matter how you say it, the Exchange District is the place to find it.
If Words of Affirmation are your love language, hearing – or reading – the words, “I love you,” is important. Valentine cards are classic expressions of love, and you’ll find creative and inspiring messages in the offerings from Bear Face General Store and Tara Davis Studio Boutique. Note that Bear Face General Store recently moved to a new location, sharing space with SoGa Artisan Soaperie at 84 1/2 Albert Street.
Spending time with people you love ensures they feel special. Trying a new activity, like a workshop or discovering something new at Tokyo Smoke, or getting together for Winter in the Exchange events including curling, skating and sampling at Exchange District restaurants. Enjoy family together time with your little Valentines Saturdays in February, with a DJ on the ice at the community rink at the Cube from 1-2 p.m., board games and snacks at Across the Board Cafe and crafts and other fun at Toad Hall Toys from 2-4 p.m.
If gifts are your love language, thoughtfulness and effort behind the gift are important. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known and cared for, perhaps with with a glowing cedar-and cashmere- scented candle collaboration from Hair Co. and Farmer’s Son Co. candles, or getting a special piece of artwork framed at Warehouse Artworks.
Anything you do to help an Acts of Service person demonstrate love, including helping support the causes that are meaningful to them. The Hilary Druxman rose necklace is inspired by the spirit of Kendra Rose McBain. The walk she started takes place every spring to raise funds for teens living with cancer. Bringing someone a coffee is welcome, and giving it to them in a Huskee Cup they can swap at local coffee shops, reducing one-time-use disposable cups makes it even better.
Physical Touch can be expressed in many ways, from the intimacy between couples to the self-care that arrives with services from Anchor Massage Therapy or a fist-bump, high-five or sweaty-hug-worthy workout at The Community Gym‘s all-in-one fitness studio.