Understanding and communicating love languages Published Oct. 22, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr. 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- According to most relationship expert's communication is the key to developing a long lasting, healthy relationship. What if you don't speak the same language as your partner? How could you ever know what he or she expects and needs from you or vice versa? With October being Domestic Violence Prevention month two upcoming events will be available to help Airmen discover, interpret, and communicate love languages. Both events are open to Luke Air Force Base Airmen. The first event will be held on Sunday, October 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the 944th Fighter Wing Family Readiness office bldg. 993, Luke AFB. Ms. Jessica Paul, 944th FW Family Advocacy Outreach manager, will be facilitating a class on love languages. Copies of the bestseller book The 5 Love Languages will be raffled off. On Tuesday, November 17, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Glendale Community College B-202, Glendale Arizona, there will be a Relationship vs. Fairy Tales seminar facilitated by Ms. Lindra Fishleder, Counselor GCC counseling department. Participants of both events will learn which relationships work better than others, which ones to avoid, and which ones to run from. Information on what your parents and birth-order have to do with successful relationships will also be provided at the November 17 event. "The Relationship vs. Fairy Tales seminar is open and relevant to everybody even if you are not currently in a romantic relationship," said Fishleder. "If your relationship is with a parent, friend, sibling, or anybody it is applicable." Fishleder recommends taking two assessments online before attending the seminar to help figure out who you are and what you need in a relationship. The first assessment is the Human Metrics, www.humanmetrics.com, to help you identify your personality type. The second is The 5 Love Languages, www.5lovelanguages.com, to discover how you prefer to experience and express love which includes words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch. She emphasized how those who attend will get a lot from the seminar without the assessments but having concrete feedback helps the participant to confidently examine their choices. "It really taught me the type of person I am in a relationship and my top love language," said Marlene Barrera, Administrative Secretary and GCC alumni, about the seminar. "Plus, it's free, open to the public, and you get to learn more about yourself." After identifying their personality type, the seminar helps participants relate to people by discussing how to communicate the different nuances of their personality. It demystifies the preconceived notions of Mr. Perfect and Mrs. Right. It is constructed to help participants realize anyone can find a healthy relationship with communication and hard work. The seminar is interactive and some of the participants will get the opportunity to share their life experiences. For those who prefer a one-on-one session, arrangements can be made. Fishleder has been facilitating the seminar for the past four years and has a Master's degree in counseling with training in counseling psychology. She has been working as a counselor for Maricopa County Community Colleges District for ten years. "I hope participants take away a level of self-awareness so that they grow on an individual level," said Fishleder. "I also hope they leave with a better understanding of how to communicate effectively." If you plan on attending the Relationship vs. Fairy Tales seminar, please send your RSVP to marlene.barrera@gccaz.edu. If you are unable to attend but are still interested in attending, this seminar is offered twice a year. No RSVP are needed for The 5 Love Languages class Sunday. For more information on this subject and much more please contact Ms. Jessica Paul, 944th FW Family Advocacy Outreach manager at 623-856-2289 or GCC Counseling Services at 623-845-3064. If you are a victim of domestic violence please contact the Domestic Violence Victim Advocate (DAVA) 24/7 Hotline 623-255-3487.