Food and Drink
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The more I contemplate the connection between romance and food, the more links and nuances I discover that make the two worlds evermore blended. Initially, the mind goes to romantic dates in restaurants with swanky music and dimmed lights; aphrodisiacs; anything dipped in chocolate and eaten seductively. But it can be so much more than that. How can food etiquette, knowledge and taste reflect personality; and how we judge our romantic partners? Consider the setting, the occasion, the pairings of one dish with another and how this could change the course of an evening. The concept of love languages was created by Gary Chapman over 40 years ago, with the idea that we all express and receive love in different ways, and that by understanding what your own love language is (and your partner’s) – you can improve your romantic relationships. The five established love languages are Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Giving gifts, and Quality Time. I believe each one of these has unique links with the world of food and drink – so much so that it could be considered a love language in its own right.
Physical touch touch
This is a common love language associated with needing physical affection from a partner whether that is in a more sensual way, or just in the form of a hug or holding hands. This relates to food as it brings comfort in the same way that physical touch does. On top of this, physical touch links to the ritual of sharing food. Sharing a sweet dessert with two spoons – feeding one another as you gaze into each other’s eyes. Hands grazing as you both reach for the same chocolate out of the selection box. The intimate nature of sharing food definitely plays a significant role in
that of physical affection.
Words of
Affirmation I perused this one for a little longer, but realised this links to food in the gratitude we show each other for making it. Hearing someone you love tell you that something you made for them tasted great, validates your expression of love through food. When you put a lot of care and effort into a dish, perhaps considering your partner’s favourite foods, dietary requirements, ingredients that are significant to them – it feels good to have this acknowledged.