reggie's love language

Blame it on environment, Reggie doesn't do "alone" well.  Naturally, as the baby of the family and only 8 months younger than his sister, he has become dependent on the constant interaction with others.  That is why, when Lydia was feeling under the weather and spent five hours in bed on a Thursday afternoon while Brett was at school...well, let's just say - it wore me out.

Ever heard of the five love languages, based on this book (and many other titles by Chapman)?  The basic premise is that people tend to express and receive love in one or two of five different ways (quality time, acts of service, physical touch, words of affection, and gifts).  Bryan's love language is acts of service, and he tells me he loves me every night when he cleans up the kitchen.  My love language is quality time, which is why I am always the date planner.

Reggie's love language is physical touch.  Which is not even in my top three, which is a relief to Bryan.  But physical touch is the way Reggie expresses and receives love whether we like it or not.  My theory is it's related to how much time he spent attached to me the first 18 months of his life.



I try to be understanding, really I do!  The boy is showered with hugs and kisses and cuddles.  But, sometimes, I've given all the physical touch love I've got for the day, and his tank's still on empty.  Mostly for entertainment value, today I challenged him not to touch me for 10 minutes and established a reward.  I set the kitchen timer, and Bryan suggested he go play in another room, so as not to be tempted.  One minute passed, he was back in the kitchen and heading my direction.  Bryan reminded him of the reward, and he made a u-turn.  Two minutes-repeat.  Four minutes, and his urge got the best of him.  Have I mentioned Reggie also does not have the best impulse control? 

I'm praying God gives him a spouse who speaks his language.