Thanks, Rae. It was a real eye-opener when I read this book several years ago. I realized that my husband's primary love language was Acts of Service, and so it made the things he did for me and around the house that much more special. It also made me more conscious to tell him how much I appreciate his efforts. (See? Words of Affirmation is one of my biggies. LOL It's funny how it slipped right in there...) But Acts of Service doesn't fill me up like Words of Affirmation and Quality Time do...
Likewise, when I cook and do regular housework, he is so appreciative. He thanks me for every meal, etc. That's because what I consider mundane "gotta do's", he considers a direct deposit in his love tank.
Love languages can challenge us out of comfort zones, but once we become fluent in a language that is not really one that fills us up, it gets easier and easier. Recognizing the signs of each language can make all the difference in the world in a relationship. I'm thinking along the lines of a parent who never verbally affirmed a child, and the child grew up to think he/she wasn't loved. But perhaps this parent showed love in a different language? While the past can't be re-done, it can offer understanding, and even comfort, for the parent/s that did "the best they could".