Expressing and receiving love is something that seems universal, but communication styles, especially when it comes to romantic relationships, are highly individualized and nuanced. On today’s episode, Nina and Anna use Dr. Gary Chapman’s The Five Love Languages as a jumping off point to reflect on their current and previous partnerships and discuss how their perspectives on love and marriage have changed throughout the years. 
From Anna’s POV, Nina’s marriage seems effortless and intuitive. Nina describes how she and Huê have non-negotiables that they don’t need to talk about, but there have definitely been changes in their relationship after having a child. She illustrates her marriage as two vines that sometimes grow apart, but always grow together, which is something that Nina wants and isn’t willing to give up on. They emphasize how important it is to let go of the patriarchal message that a successful partnership requires major compromise, even at the cost of your identity. 
For so many people looking for love, it's hard to imagine something different than what they’ve always experienced. Anna expresses her desire for a partner who has a strong sense of self, but finds that hetero men are so often threatened by her strength and independence. Nina encourages her to hold out for someone who not only accepts Anna for who she fully is, but also lifts her up and enriches her life. 
Join Anna and Nina as they unpack how their love language styles have played a role in their approach to love, partnership, and marriage. 
Listen to the episode on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-human/id1575612024 (Apple Podcasts), https://open.spotify.com/show/1V8taFSZQDpMcXkrP5dGrs?si=PtYeksWSRLGn_vu1vWBvMw&dl_branch=1 (Spotify), https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9yTHpBOUg2Mg (Google Podcasts), https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fa34c28b-2ac5-49cb-9fc7-15328379d789 (Amazon Music), https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-how-to-be-human-84625355/ (iHeartRadio), https://www.stitcher.com/show/how-to-be-human-5 (Stitcher), or on your favorite podcast platform
Topics Covered:
Nina and Anna’s thoughts on the concept of love languages and what their experience was like taking the quiz 
The importance of taking responsibility for letting your partner know what you need and want 
How Nina’s husband has demonstrated gentleness, sensitivity, and love
Anna’s reflections on things that are holding her back from seeking and receiving love right now 
Examining internalized patriarchal and misogynist belief systems about marriage 

Resources Mentioned:
https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language (Five Love Language Quiz)  
https://www.amazon.com/Heartburn-Nora-Ephron/dp/0679767959 (Heartburn by Nora Ephron)

Get in Touch:
https://howtobehumanpod.com/ (How to Be Human)
https://www.instagram.com/howtobehumanpod/ (How to Be Human Instagram)
https://www.instagram.com/annatoonk/ (Anna's Instagram)
https://www.instagram.com/humannamednina/ (Nina's Instagram)
https://www.annatoonk.com/ (Book a session with Anna)
https://ninaendrsthealth.com/ (Book a session with Nina)