Thanks, Partner!

From my perspective, loving someone with Parkinson’s disease can’t be easy. We are cranky, stubborn, symptomatic and aggravated that we have to be any of these things. We are unpredictable in our moods and symptoms, difficult to plan around with our med schedules, eating schedules, times that we need to just rest - all of the above. We’re prone to moments of apathy and we are in need of moments of empathy-more often than most-but also just like everyone else . 

The underside of loving someone with PD is that you never really know from day to day what face they will have on. And you're expected and encouraged to be the cheerleader, the good cop bad cop the amateur Dr, the nurse the chauffeur, the decision maker… etc. etc. 

We’re  going to throw roadblocks in your face, we’re going to ask you to leave, we’re going to ask you to run, we’re gonna beg you to stay, we’re going to be terrified that you’ll do any of these things, and through it all we love you so much that half the time we won’t be able to think about the future without you. 

So thank you,  if you are somebody who loves somebody with PD… anybody…spouse, partner, confidante, friend, fellow sufferer-because you’re slogging through an ocean full of garbage just to get over to that pristine part that you know loves you back…And knowing everything is different every single day you put yourself out there for us because you actually care - and believe me, we know it.

"Its harder for you to see me symptomatic than it is for me to experience the symptoms."

Maybe your partner has communicated this or a similar message to you before. When you’re diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease, you learn that off times will come and go, and you get used to planning your day around expected (and unexpected!) off episodes.

On the other hand, it’s much more difficult for loved ones to become accustomed to witnessing their partner’s struggles and not being able to help. That and plenty of other factors contribute to the stress and pressures that a lot of care partners experience.

As the old saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s important to take care of yourself, take breaks, and recharge before you’re able to continue giving your partner that same level of support over time.

Here are some things you can do to help manage the pressure when things start to get hard:

Practice Self-Compassion

Understand that even the most loving and caring people experience frustration and resentment. Give yourself permission to have these feelings, and remember that it’s okay to feel the way you do. Most importantly, understand that you’re not alone.

Practice Gratitude 

Focusing your attention on the good things can work wonders for your mood and your mental state. Make lists of small things that make you happy, little wins from the day, experiences and people that you’re grateful to have in your life, or a combination of it all.

Set Aside Time For Yourself

Prioritize finding time each week to do something for yourself. Whether it’s getting away and going to the gym, reading a book for an hour uninterrupted, going for a walk, or something else, meeting your own needs and spending time with yourself regularly can make all the difference.

Join a Support Group

Sometimes nothing helps more than talking to other people who are going through the exact same thing as you. If you’re not already a member of the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network, you can join for free — we’re just as much a resource for care partners as we are for those diagnosed with YOPD!

Make a Therapy Appointment

If group discussions aren’t your style, talking to a professional one-on-one can help you to better understand your emotions and discover more effective ways to manage them. It’s also a great outlet for venting and expressing bottled up thoughts and feelings without hurting anyone around you.

Get Moving

As much as “go for a run” is probably the last thing a stressed-out person wants to hear, physical exercise really does improve your mental state. That doesn’t mean you have to start training for a marathon or anything, but going for a walk, doing some yoga, or even signing up for a couple of fitness classes can have a major impact.

Spend Time with Friends & Family 

It’s common for care partners to forget about their lives outside of YOPD. Intentionally setting aside time to connect with your friends and family outside of your responsibilities as a care partner is a great way to remind you that YOPD isn’t all there is. It can be a great change of pace.

Just as YOPD affects everyone in the diagnosed person's inner circle, YOPN membership is offered to all those diagnosed early with Parkinson's Disease AND those in their inner circle, or "care partner team". Spouses, parents, children, friends, and family alike are welcome in YOPN.

Being a care partner can be a difficult and frustrating experience. But you’re here reading this because your strength and deep love and care for your partner outweigh all the negatives. So even when times are tough, don’t forget to stop and take care of yourself.

In this age of artificial intelligence,, it may not be surprising to learn that robots are putting the heat on Parkinson's Disease by providing a solution or freezing. Tremor is possibly the most popular and well-known symptom of the degenerative and chronic disease that causes loss of dopamine-producing cells and wreaks havoc on the central nervous system. You may be surprised to learn that one of the most commonly experienced symptoms is called freezing , and happens when a person with Parkinson's Disease suddenly experiences an inability to move. This not only creates balance issues, but often can happen mid-stride and result in a serious fall. 

Two research groups, one from Harvard and another from Boston University, recently collaborated on an effort to produce a wearable device that uses robotics to combat freezing. The device includes a mechanical component that provides an assistive 'push' to help overcome freezing. In preliminary studies, people who wore the robotic device completely eliminated their freezing episodes and were able to walk aster and further than without the high-tech assistant.

Read more about this amazing breakthrough: Robotic exosuit gives Parkinson's patient smoother stride. The Young Onset Parkinson's Network is excited to share that three esteemed researchers from the project will be joining us next month to chat with our members about gait dysfunction and how this new device can help. Learn how freezing of gait impacts movement and walking for people with Parkinson's Disease, explore the potential of next-generation wearable robotics to improve freezing of gait, and learn how you can provide the feedback researchers need to develop more impactful solutions. 

This event is free to all YOPN members. Register online at: Preventing Freezing of Gait using Wearable Robotics in Parkinson's Disease.

In Addition to the Many Physical Challenges To Overcome, There Are Many Psychological Challenges Faced on a Daily Basis

Living with Young Onset Parkinson's (YOPD) throws a lot your way. You might be dealing with physical symptoms, changes in your daily routine, and maybe even concerns about the future.  It's completely normal to experience a range of emotions along the way – frustration, fear, even anger. 

Furthermore, mental health challenges are extremely common with YOPD. Studies show that anxiety and depression are much more likely to affect people with Parkinson's than the general population. Because of this, it’s especially important to stay in touch with your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Why are mental health challenges more common in PD folks? There are a couple of reasons. First, the changes Parkinson's brings can be stressful. As mentioned above, you might worry about work, relationships, or your ability to do the things you love. I find this is even more prevalent amongst many of those I interact with that have YOPD. Many of us hide our diagnosis for as long as we possibly can and suppress the anxiety and depression we come across. Second, the disease itself can cause changes in the brain that contribute to anxiety and depression. The neurotransmitters that are affected by PD also play a very important role in our mental health; thus emotional challenges are a common non-motor symptom of the diagnosis. The combination of these factors can make daily life especially challenging. 

So, what can you do?

Living with Young Onset Parkinson's (YOPD) throws a lot at you. For many of us we are juggling raising a family, working, and dealing with the ins and outs of Parkinson’s. Making sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet can seem like an added burden - however, the benefits, both physically and mentally, of eating healthy are worth the investment. 

Why Food Matters for YOPD 

The food you choose is the fuel that keeps your body running smoothly.  Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help manage symptoms like constipation, tremors, and fatigue, all while giving you the strength and energy  to take on the day. 

Power Up Your Plate 

Here are some key dietary strategies to help you live well with YOPD: 

• Befriend Fiber: Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains keep you feeling fuller for longer and promote gut health, which can help with constipation – a common YOPD struggle. 
• Hydration Hero: Aim for 6-8 glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated helps your body absorb nutrients and function at its best.  
  
• Bonus tip: Warm water in the morning can help stimulate your bowels. 
• Antioxidant All-Stars: Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that protect your brain cells. Think berries, leafy greens, and anything orange or red! 
• Fuel Your Moves:Don't underestimate the power of protein! Lean protein sources like fish, chicken, and beans provide essential building blocks for muscle strength, which can be especially important as you manage YOPD. 
• Healthy Fats for the Win:Don't fear all fats! Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, and avocados can help with nutrient absorption and may even offer some neuroprotective benefits. 
• Sugar Blues? Limit sugary drinks and processed foods. They can worsen tremors and interfere with medication absorption. 

Tips to Make Eating Easier 

Swallowing difficulties and tremors can make mealtime frustrating. Here are some hacks to keep things smooth: 

• Thicken liquids with thickening agents to make swallowing easier. 
• Chop food into bite-sized pieces 
• Weighted Utensils can help with mitigating tremors while eating 

Beyond the Plate: Working with Your Meds 

Remember, timing your meals strategically can make a big difference.  Certain medications for Parkinson's can interact with food, so talking to your doctor about the best time to eat relative to your medication schedule is crucial. 

A registered dietitian can create a personalized meal plan to address your specific needs.  Discuss any vitamin or mineral deficiencies with your doctor to ensure you're getting the right nutrients. 

Join the YOPN Community 

Living with YOPD can feel isolating, but you don't have to go it alone. The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) is a fantastic resource for support, connection, and a wealth of information on managing all aspects of YOPD, including nutrition.  Join us and connect with a community that understands your journey! 

From smart gadgets to game changing devices, technology is transforming how we approach Parkinson's

Living with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease can present unique challenges, but you're not alone! Thankfully, technology is rapidly evolving, offering exciting new tools to help you manage daily activities and maintain your independence. By testing out and embracing the latest technology, those with Parkinson's disease (and your care partners!) can make everyday challenges a little bit easier.

From smart gadgets to game-changing devices, technology is transforming how we approach Parkinson's. Here's a glimpse into what's available:

Conquering everyday tasks:

• Smart assistants: Imagine asking your speaker to set reminders, adjust lighting, or control appliances, all through voice commands.
• Adaptive utensils: These innovative tools help combat tremors, making eating easier and more enjoyable.

Staying active and engaged:

• Wearable trackers: Monitor your steps, sleep patterns, and activity levels, gaining valuable insights into your well-being.
• VR therapy: Explore virtual environments that can improve balance, coordination, and cognitive function in a safe and controlled setting.

Connecting with the world:

• Telemedicine: Attend doctor appointments or therapy sessions from the comfort of your home, reducing travel burdens and increasing access to care.
• Accessible communication apps: Utilize voice-to-text or text-to-speech features to stay connected and express yourself clearly.

Finding the right technology can feel overwhelming, but don't worry! Here are some resources to help you navigate the options:

• The Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/
• The Davis Phinney Foundation: https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/resources/
• The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA): https://www.apdaparkinson.org/
• AbilityNet: https://abilitynet.org.uk/parkinsons-and-technology-resources

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) is here to support you every step of the way. We encourage you to explore the resources mentioned above and join YOPN today to connect with a community that understands your unique challenges and celebrates your triumphs. Together, we can navigate the world of technology and ensure it empowers you to live your life to the fullest. 

Living Well Starts Here.℠

Join YOPN Today: https://yopnetwork.org/Membership

Remember, embracing technology can be an empowering journey. By utilizing these tools and staying informed, you can take control of your Parkinson's and achieve your goals.

photo attribution: Liviu Oprescu / Engadget. For more information on the Gyroglove, read their report from CES 2024.

YOPN empowers individuals like you to connect, share experiences, and advocate for a brighter future.

Living with young onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) is challenging, but you're not alone. The Young Onset Parkinson's Network empowers individuals like you to connect, share experiences, and advocate for a brighter future. One powerful way to make a difference is by becoming an advocate for Parkinson's research and legislation.

Why Advocacy Matters:

Increased Research Funding: By advocating for increased government and private funding, we can accelerate research into the causes, treatments, and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson's.

Improved Legislation: Advocacy can lead to better policies supporting YOPD patients, such as access to affordable healthcare, disability benefits, and workplace accommodations.

Greater Awareness: Sharing your story and raising awareness about YOPD can combat stigma, build public support, and attract more resources to the fight.

How You Can Get Involved:

1. Educate Yourself:

Familiarize yourself with current research efforts and policy initiatives related to Parkinson's. Outside of the resources and information provided by YOPN, organizations such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's Foundation, Davis Phinney Foundation, and National Institutes of Health provide valuable material.

2. Find Your Voice:

Share Your Story: Write a blog post (You can share it on our website), talk to local media, or participate in awareness campaigns. Sharing your personal experience can spark empathy and inspire action.

Contact Your Local, State, and Federal Representatives: Use resources like the American Parkinson Disease Association to find contact information and advocacy templates. Email, call, or even schedule in-person meetings to voice your concerns and ask for support for Parkinson's research and legislation.

Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums and social media groups to connect with other YOPD advocates, share tips, and organize collective action.

3. Take Action:

Organize a Local Event:

Host a Parkinson's Awareness Walk/Run: Gather your community for a fun and impactful event. Partner with local businesses, schools, or fitness groups for sponsorship and participation. (Or simply show up to local events - your attendance means a lot to the organizers.)

Organize a Fundraising Gala or Auction: Celebrate while raising vital funds. Donate proceeds to reputable Parkinson's organizations or specific research initiatives.

Hold a "Shake-Off" Dance Party: Combine awareness with movement, a key element in managing YOPD. Invite local dance instructors to lead sessions and encourage donations.

Volunteer Your Skills:

Contribute to Online Advocacy Efforts: Volunteer to share your story with YOPN and we can include it in our newsletter, on our blog, and on social media sites, as well as in our outreach efforts to advocate on your behalf.

Volunteer to lead LIVE events: YOPN Live was launched this year. Volunteer to be a leader in your community and bring together like-minded YOPD individuals, care partners, friends, and healthcare professionals. Live events are designed to bring the virtual community together.

Mentor YOPD Newcomers: Share your experience and offer support to newly diagnosed individuals and their families.

Engage Online

Join Online Advocacy Groups: Connect with other passionate advocates on Facebook, Twitter, or online forums. Share information, organize virtual events, and collectively lobby for change.

Challenge Your Network: Encourage friends and family to donate to Parkinson's charities, participate in events, or contact their representatives about YOPD legislation.

Partner with Other Organizations:

Reach out to local Parkinson's support groups or chapters: Offer to co-host events, share resources, or collaborate on advocacy initiatives.

Connect with universities or research institutions: Advocate for increased research funding and participation in clinical trials in your area.

Partner with businesses or community organizations: Explore sponsorship opportunities or joint fundraising efforts to amplify your impact.

Remember: No action is too small! By creatively engaging your community, utilizing your skills, and leveraging the power of online platforms, you can become a powerful force for change in the fight against Parkinson's. Together, we can raise awareness, drive research progress, and advocate for a brighter future for all YOPD patients.

Let's join forces and fight for a cure!

Caring for the Care Partner: A Two-Way Street in Young Onset Parkinson's

Living with Young Onset Parkinson's (YOPD) is a journey, and it's one you rarely take alone. Whether you're the person with YOPD or the amazing human beside them, the road can be filled with bumps, triumphs, and everything in between. But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be a solo trek. In this two-way street called YOPD, strong care partners and mindful people with YOPD make the journey smoother for everyone.

For the Care Partner: Supporting with Strength and Grace

Being a care partner is a role filled with love and resilience, and can sometimes be overwhelming. But guess what? You, the rockstar care partner, are vital to this journey. Your support, love, and unwavering presence can mean the world to someone living with YOPD. But here's the catch: you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is just as crucial as taking care of your loved one.

So, how do we find the balance between helping your loved one and taking care of yourself? How do we stay strong, mentally and physically, while ensuring our loved ones with YOPD feel supported and appreciated? Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of two-way care in Young Onset Parkinson's.

Here are some tips to navigate this path with both mental and physical strength:

• Embrace the Team Spirit: Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other YOPD care partners through online communities like YOPN or local support groups. Sharing experiences and tips can be a lifesaver.

• Prioritize Your Wellbeing: Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. Schedule "me-time" for activities you enjoy, whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga session, or simply curling up with a good book. A recharged you is a better support system.

• Communicate Openly and Honestly: Talk to your loved one with YOPD about their needs and preferences. Don't be afraid to ask for help – that's what teams are for! And remember, it’s okay to ask for clarification. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings and strengthens your bond.

• Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Mind: Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are non-negotiables. These nourish your body and mind, giving you the stamina to face anything YOPD throws your way.

• Set Boundaries, Embrace Support: You're not alone! Don't be afraid to say "no" when you need a break. Lean on family, friends, and support groups. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• Invest in Knowledge: Learn about YOPD, its symptoms, and available treatments. The more informed you are, the better you can navigate its challenges and support your loved one effectively.

• Celebrate the Victories, Big and Small: Every positive step, every smile shared, every hurdle overcome – these are victories worth celebrating. Acknowledging progress keeps spirits high and fuels the journey forward.

• Embrace Your Own Journey: YOPD impacts everyone differently. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, and remember, it's okay to grieve, to be frustrated, and to have moments of doubt. Seek professional help if needed, and prioritize your own mental well-being.

for the Person with YOPD: Showing Appreciation and Respect

Living with YOPD can be isolating, but remember, your care partner is in your corner. 

Here are ways to show your appreciation and keep the two-way street thriving:

• Express Gratitude: A simple "thank you" goes a long way. Let your care partner know how much you appreciate their support, big and small gestures alike.

• Communicate Your Needs: Don't bottle up your frustrations or challenges. Open communication lets your care partner understand how best to support you.

• Be Patient and Understanding: YOPD can be unpredictable. Be patient with yourself and your care partner, and remember, everyone is doing their best.

• Stay Involved in Decisions: As much as possible, be involved in discussions about your care plan and treatment options. You're the captain of your own ship, and your voice matters.

• Offer Help In Return: Even with YOPD, there are things you can do. Maybe it's folding laundry, making coffee, or simply offering a listening ear. Sharing the load strengthens the partnership.

• Celebrate Together: Share your victories, big and small, with your care partner. Their happiness is your happiness, and vice versa.

• Respect Their Boundaries: Your care partner needs time for themselves too. Respect their need for breaks and don't guilt them for taking time for their own well-being.

• Remember, You're Still You: YOPD may be part of your journey, but it doesn't define you. Keep your passions alive, engage in activities you enjoy, and remind yourself and your care partner that you're still the bright, vibrant individual you've always been.

The YOPD road may have its twists and turns, but with mutual respect, open communication, and a commitment to well-being, care partners and people with YOPD can navigate it together, stronger and more united than ever.

To the care partners: Thank you for being the unwavering heroes of these YOPD journeys. Your dedication and love are both an inspiration and invaluable. Remember, you, too, are not alone in this. The YOPN community offers a space for knowledge, resources, and support waiting to embrace you. 

Together, let's make this two-way street of YOPD a journey of shared strength, resilience, and unwavering love.

8 Tips for a Stress free Holiday Season - YOPN Member Eric Slominski

Now that the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, and you've waved goodbye to family, it's time to start preparing for the homestretch of the year. As kids, we tend to remember this time of year fondly, but now as adults, the warm memories of good times and the exciting anticipation of Christmas morning may have been replaced with excessive stress and even loathing. The stressors that can contribute to this are many. 

Over-hyped - Right after Thanksgiving, Christmas songs begin playing, decorations go up at many homes and businesses, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off holiday shopping. The insanity is practically inescapable, and the outsized expectations of the holiday can often lead to burnout and disappointment. 

Commercialization - With religion playing an ever-lesser role in families, it seems that capitalism has taken the opportunity to step in and offer an alternate emphasis on the gift-giving aspect of the holiday. But it's all too easy to go overboard and spend too much on things nobody really needs. With the steady allure to spend, spend, spend it's no wonder it's so easy to end up cranky, exhausted, and broke. 

Too many temptations - From holiday parties full of tasty treats and alcohol as well as visits from well-intentioned friends and neighbors who often bring more treats, even the most disciplined among us can struggle and may eventually cave to temptation.

Traveling - Traveling during the holidays can be a nightmare. Traffic jams, waiting in line, and crowds. Who needs that? 

Too little sunlight - Being outside in the sunshine is simply good for you. Unfortunately, there's precious little of it this time of year. This can lead to or worsen mental health problems for some. 

But it doesn't have to be this way! To me, the holidays are a time to relax and appreciate all the good things we have in our lives. Also, it's a time to create great memories and have fun with friends and family. Particularly for those of us with Parkinson's Disease, connecting with people who understand us can help us remember that we're never truly alone and do wonders for our mental health. Organizations like Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) can help you get plugged into a thriving community of individuals who are thriving despite Parkinson's Disease. 

Read on for eight tips for making it through the holidays with sanity intact:

Tip # 1 - Embrace Moderation - If we can adopt a mindset of moderation, that is instead of eating 3 cookies, just savor one. Or instead of eating 3 huge pieces of each cake, just have a small slice of each. That way, you can enjoy the tastes of the holidays, without going too over-board. And if you overdo it...don't stress out about it. Just vow to put in some extra time on the bike or sneak in some extra burpees (see Tip #3 below). 

Tip # 2 - Do something nice - Successful management of Parkinson's Disease often requires us to spend a lot of time thinking about ourselves. This is not necessarily selfishness; Parkinson's is a time-consuming disease to manage. However, I don't know about you, but if I'm not careful I can really start to take all the good things in my life for granted. Especially this time of year, it's good to remember those that are less fortunate. Know someone going through a tough time? Consider surprising them with a random text or call. You may be surprised how much a simple thing can brighten a day. Simply letting someone know you are available for a chat can make a positive difference. It seems counter-intuitive, but being less self-centric can really end up helping us in the end. Thinking of others can remind us to be grateful for what we have, leading us to be more satisfied with our lives overall. 

Tip # 3 -Don't stop moving - I'm sure exercise is already part of your daily routine (it IS ...right?). But in case you somehow don't know by now, exercise is the absolute best way to banish stress. This, along with all its undeniable benefits for People with Parkinson's (PwP). For PwP, exercise is an even more important part of your overall holiday survival strategy. But between all the traveling, finding the perfect gift for loved ones, decorating, parties, and other holiday activities, it's easy to get knocked out of your normal routine. Don't let that stop you from squeezing some movement into your day. Only got 10 minutes? Just do something. How about...3 sets of 25 air squats? Say 2 hours later you have a spare you have a spare 5 minutes. How about doing as many pushups as you can? In the next opportunity do planks. You see? In almost no time at all you've managed to squeeze in a mini-workout! Even a little exercise can go a long way towards making you feel and move better.

Tip # 4 - Establish a Budget - To help keep your spending reined in try to create a budget ahead of time to decide how much to spend. There are programs to purchase out there that can help but a simple spreadsheet can work fine. Even if you later decide that it's just too much effort to add in each individual purchase, having gone through the mental exercise will have given you an idea of what you want to spend which will have helped to keep it under control. 

Tip # 5 - Communicate gift-giving plan ahead of time- Agreeing beforehand what the gift-giving expectations are with the adults can alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress. Many adults I know would rather focus on seeing family rather than stress unnecessarily over what to get each other. 

Tip # 6 - When driving, leave early...and be flexible - When driving pack ahead of time and leave as early as you feasibly can. Northern VA, where I live, is notorious for unexpected delays. A very early departure at least reduces the chances of a traffic jam spoiling your plans. If you do get delayed, try to keep an open mind about exploring something potentially interesting off the next exit and getting back on the highway when the traffic dies down a bit.

Tip # 7 - Embrace hibernation mode - This time of year I tend to get really great sleep. Maybe it's the cozy feeling of being warm in bed while the weather outside is so cold and wet? Whatever it is, great sleep can help combat some of the stress common this time of year. To get the best sleep possible, don't eat or drink too close to bedtime. It's generally accepted that a light snack before bed is ok. Alcohol to me is an absolute no-no before bed as my sleep is just not nearly as rejuvenating.

Tip # 8 - Mental hack to triumph over short-day anxiety - If you're one of those folks like me who can feel a bit trapped when the days get so short you can maybe try a little mental trick to help you out. Remember that the shortest day of the year coincides with the first day of Winter. As that day falls on December 21st or 22nd annually, the days are already getting longer by the time it's Christmas morning! It's location-dependent (science!...no actual math!), but you'll expect to receive about 2 more minutes of lovely daylight each day until summer! And you thought you didn't get anything good for Christmas?

A simple "thank you" can mean so much more when you express it in just the right way.

• Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can strengthen relationships and make people feel loved and appreciated. But how do you show it in a way that is meaningful to your care partner, friends, or loved ones? It’s actually simpler than you think: learn how to speak their love language. 

  What are Love Languages?

  A love language is the way a person prefers to express and receive love. The five love languages are: 

  1. Words of affirmation
  2. Quality time
  3. Receiving gifts
  4. Acts of service
  5. Physical touch

• Once you identify someone’s love language, you can tailor your expressions of gratitude to speak to them in a way that they will understand and appreciate. People can have anywhere from one primary love language to a combination of two or three that resonate the most with them.

  Here are some tips and examples for showing gratitude based on each of the five love languages:

  Words of Affirmation

  People with this love language value: verbal acknowledgments of affection, compliments, words of appreciation, verbal encouragement, and frequent written communication (like texting or social media engagement)

  Tips for Expressing Gratitude: 

  • Tell them how much you appreciate them and all that they do 
  • Mention specific things they’ve done or said to you 
  • Write them thank you notes
  • Send them random, unexpected texts expressing your gratitude to brighten their day

  Examples & Ideas:

  1. “Thank you for being so patient and kind on my off days. Your support means more to me thank you know, and I wouldn’t be able to get through them without you.”
  

  2. “I’m so lucky to have a friend like you. You always know how to make me laugh and feel better when I’m down.”

  3. “You’re the strongest person I know. You inspire me to be a better person, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.”

  Quality Time

  People with this love language value: spending time together, active listening, eye contact, undivided attention, and full presence during meaningful conversations or while participating in recreational activities together

  Tips for Expressing Gratitude:

  • Put away your phone and minimize other distractions while spending time with them
  • Make plans for dates or other activities that you can enjoy together 
  • Give them your undivided attention during conversations 

  Examples & Ideas:

  1. Attend a YOPN Community Gathering or Speaker Series Event together, then go out to dinner afterward.
  2. Make plans for activities outside of your normal routine that fit their interests, like trying out a cooking class or visiting the local museum.
  3. Set aside a little bit of time each day — even if it’s only 5-10 minutes — where you can leave your phones in a different room and be present together.

  Receiving Gifts

  People with this love language value: visual or tangible symbols of love, the deliberate and meaningful process behind gift-giving, and objects bearing sentimental value

  Tips for Expressing Gratitude: 

  • Don’t be afraid to give small gifts, even if it’s just a token of appreciation
  • Consider their unique interests or hobbies when choosing a gift 
  • Take extra time to pick items that are thoughtful and meaningful
  • Gift them something you’ve noticed they want but won’t get for themself 

  Examples & Ideas: 

  1.  Surprise them with a small care package of their favorite   snacks and drinks “just because.”
  2.  Save a small reminder of your last activity together to give   them later. It could be anything from a pretty rock you spotted on a hike to movie ticket stubs.
  3.  Notice when they’re going through a rough patch and cheer   them up with something small — like a cozy sweatshirt   featuring their favorite sports team, or a keychain they can  carry with them as a reminder of your love and support.

  Acts of Service

  People with this love language value: when someone goes out of their way to make life easier or more comfortable for them, being helped, and favors, no matter how small

  Tips for Expressing Gratitude: 

  • Help them with chores or errands — especially the ones they don’t enjoy doing
  • Do things for them without being asked 
  • Offer to take care of things that would otherwise require them to get up 

  Examples & Ideas:

  1.  Cook one of their favorite meals, then take care of the dishes and clean up while they sit back and enjoy dessert.
  2.  Notice when they’re stressed and offer to take over their least favorite chores to ease their workload.
  3.  Try to do one small thing for them each day — like throwing away their empty coffee cup, retrieving their mail, refilling their water bottle, or clearing their plate. 

  Physical Touch

  People with this love language value: warmth, comfort, and physical signs of affection like holding hands, cuddling, hugging, and kissing

  Tips for Expressing Gratitude:

  • Initiate touch during conversations with them 
  • Reach for their hand when you’re walking together 
  • Greet them with handshakes, hugs, kisses, or pats on the back

  Examples & Ideas:

• 1. Reach across the table and squeeze their hand(s) as you express your gratitude for them. (See Words of Affirmation for inspiration.)

• 2. Display playful physical affection when you’re out together, like punching them lightly on the shoulder, playing with their hair, or bumping your leg into theirs.

• 3. If you’re in a romantic relationship, initiate frequent intimate touch like caressing, snuggling, and kissing.

Gratitude Ground Rules

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that these tips and ideas won’t work unless you abide by the following ground rules:   

1. Always be sincere and genuine 
2. Be specific and avoid generic statements 
3. Show gratitude consistently, not just every now and then.
4. Don’t keep score
5. Remember to be just as grateful for the little things as you are for the big ones

Sometimes expressing gratitude can be tricky, especially when it's to the ones we care about the most. Learning their love language and how to speak it can help us show appreciation in the ways that are most meaningful to them.