We are well on our way to discovering, and hopefully developing, the traits needed to really be ready for love. How are you faring so far? Are you letting go of the desire to influence, control, manipulate or even coerce your mate into being that exact specimen of loveliness you had originally imagined? Are you ready to accept and love him or her for who they are? Are you able to express love freely in word and action? If so, you may be ready for the next task on your way to readiness for love: the capacity to receive love.

Some of you may be surprised at this one. How did it get on the list? Isn’t everyone ready and able to receive love? Aren’t we all self-centered individuals constantly seeking someone to love us? Yes, and no.

The truth of the matter is that many have not developed the skill to openly discuss their “love languages” – what is hoped for and expected as far as expressions of love – and so do not know how to even really ask for love. While it may seem simple, helping someone to know how to offer us love can be quite complex. It requires skill and practice to inform your mate on the specifics of how you prefer to be loved. Let me offer an example.

Stan and Mary have been dating for nearly two years and came to see me after being referred by their pastor. They were both in their late twenties and were ready for a serious relationship leading to marriage.

In the past few months, however, in discussing marriage and what that means for them, they have discovered a communication problem regarding expressing affection. Mary feels as though she often gives more than she receives, while Stan is frustrated because he is unclear about what she wants and needs. This has created tension in their relationship.

“We love each other,” Mary began. “I can’t imagine being without him. But, I’m not getting what I need lately.”

“And what is that?” I questioned.

At that point Stan jumped in.

“This is the thing that frustrates me. Sometimes I come over in the evening and ask her what she needs, and she just pouts. It drives me nuts.”

“I don’t know exactly what I need. All I know is that when we met it seemed to happen naturally. I hate even having to ask for affection.”

In talking with Stan and Mary, they admitted to slacking off in showing each other affection and were now unsure as to what each expected from the relationship. I suggested we talk about not only how they show love, but their capacity to receive love.

As we explored their love languages, both were surprised at how little each really knew about the other. Mary, particularly, discovered that she had difficulty in sharing how she preferred to be loved, always assuming that expressions of love would simply come to her automatically. She found it was hard to ask for what she needed or desired. She shared how, because of rejection early in her life, she had always had a tough time fully permitting herself to be loved. If it came naturally, she could usually accept it, but she was afraid to verbalize what she really wanted. We explored these issues in their counseling and the impact on their relationship.