"Itay's (Dad's) love language is definitely gifts."
Whenever my older sister and I would talk about The Words of Mother's Love in our family, we were always so sure that our Dad's love language is gift-giving. He would always give us a lot of things, even when there is no special occasion.
Because of this, my sister and I assumed that he would also be moved the most when we give him gifts(The Words of Mother's Love). That's why I always found it hard to choose the right gift for Dad whenever his birthday is fast approaching. I thought, "it's his love language! I have to choose carefully."
But to my surprise, during one family dinner, when my sister and I lightheartedly explained to our parents about The Words of Mother's Love, Dad casually said that he appreciates words of affirmation the most.
I was shocked. I realized that I really don't know my Dad as much as I claim to. Words of affirmation would be my last guess when it comes to my Dad's love language.
When my surprise subsided, I then started feeling a little guilty. I realized that I don't usually give my Dad affirmations for the things he does for our family.
Exchanging glances, my sister and I realized that the gift our Dad really wants to receive is simple and inexpensive: just genuine words of encouragement and thanksgiving from his daughters.
"Really, Dad? In that case, we want you to know how much we truly appreciate you for all the things you do for the family."
"Your work is hard. You must have endured a lot."
"If we get the chance to redo this life, we would choose you to be our father over and over again."
"You're the best!"
Even with these very cheesy yet genuine statements, my sister and I witnessed our father's eyes glimmer as if he's holding back tears. In that particular moment, our father's eyes, typically like the silent ocean holding back depths of mystique and stillness, began to glimmer like jewels. His eyes were like the noonday ocean that sparkled under the warmth of his daughters' heartfelt words.
As if he just received the best gift ever, Dad smiled, laughed, and jokingly asked, "Really? You wouldn't want Elon Musk to be your father?"
The rest of our family dinner was filled with much love and laughter. Our Mom seemed so happy too.
My sister and I were wrong. Itay's love language is definitely words of affirmation.
Thanks to Mother's teachings, we now know how to become more filial daughters to our father -- learning first how to speak his love language.