It seems as if the more technology we get, the more friends we have. The more we network on the Internet, the more we communicate over long distances, and the more we are able to multitask at everything—the bigger our circles become.

If we’re not careful, this might result in a growing number of acquaintances, and a decreasing number of real, authentic friendships. However, we live in a brave new world and it might very well be out of this pool of acquaintances that those great friendships we all crave are born. Learning to use your own primary love language as a means of encouraging and loving others allows you to contribute meaningfully to the lives of the people around you.

Marcie, a young single adult, acknowledges that her love language is acts of service. “I receive the greatest joy by serving others,” she said. “Professionally, I work in the food service industry. So, I volunteer to work in the kitchen at my church. We serve Wednesday night meals, and on special occasions we do banquets. One of the things I enjoy most is putting on a Valentine’s banquet for the married couples at our church.

“It’s commonly said that single people are always wanting,” Marcie added, “but I believe that singles should be giving. This is my way of giving to others.”

One of my personal joys through the years has been to encounter people who have the same philosophy as Marcie. Kelly’s sister was a financially strapped single mother. She gave all her effort and resources to provide for her children, but no one was providing for her. So, when Kelly saw the opportunity, she offered to buy her sister a few new pairs of shoes and a couple new dresses.

At first her sister was reluctant, but when Kelly said, “I love you. And I want to help you,” tears came to her sister’s eyes, and she said, “I appreciate that.” Gifts may not be her sister’s primary love language, but when a person is in real need, gifts given in love, communicate love. Remember, even though we each have a primary language, we can still receive love in all five languages.