After the temporary emotional high wanes, people in relationships need to learn how to pursue what is called "true love," he said. Everyone can become fluent in "love languages" if they follow the author's advice, the priest said.
While he recommends participants read the 203-page book before the seminar, he will use a PowerPoint presentation to help the audience get up to speed on the concepts it describes.
Written in 1992 by Chapman, a North Carolina-based marriage counselor and Baptist pastor, the book spells out five distinct languages individuals can use to improve communication with loved ones: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch.
"I realized early on in my practice that what makes one person feel loved doesn't make another person feel loved," Chapman said in a telephone interview. "So I went through my notes and asked myself, 'What did people who didn't feel loved want?' "
Chapman divided clients' responses into categories and laid out his findings in a book, hoping to give guidance to people he couldn't counsel, he said. And with 5 million copies translated into 38 languages, the author says he's met that goal.
"I felt certain it would succeed, but I never anticipated all this," he said, referring to the 78 nonconsecutive weeks it has spent on the top 10 paperback advice bestsellers list of The New York Times, where it is currently ranked ninth.
Seven titles on various love languages are available, including editions geared toward parents wanting to increase communication with their children, people who want to become closer to God and single people, among others.
Having read a few titles in the series, Karwacki said, "If you've read one, then you understand the basis for all of them."
"The author's whole theory is that we need to learn how to give and receive love," he said. "Then we can keep our emotional love tanks full."
To register for this workshop or for more information, call 410-531-2800 or visit www.shrineofstanthony.org. The cost for the event, to be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., is $25 per person or $30 per couple.
neighbors
Is there a noteworthy person or event in your neighborhood? Contact Neighbors columnist Janene Holzberg at jholzberg76@msn.com or 410-461-4150.
