Food is my love language

Nourishment beyond the physical

“I’m just going to cook for our future,” says my husband as he lets me sleep in on a Sunday afternoon.

The “future” he is referring to is the week ahead. Cooking our meals for the next five days has been part of our weekend routine since we started living together. Also, it’s the only household chore that my husband genuinely enjoys doing.

So much of our relationship revolves around food. Our first few dates were always in nice restaurants — never in a bar or a coffee shop where you can just grab whatever and go. He once told me that one of the things that I did that made him decide that I was “the one” was when I cooked dinner for him in the first few weeks of dating.

My husband and I have built a special bond over our shared love for food, making meal times sacred moments that we always cherish. Being homebodies, our most enjoyable dates are times spent at home cooking and watching Netflix. (I know, we’re a boring couple!)

Food nourishes our relationship and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Cultural nourishment

In my culture, food is the ultimate expression of love and care. It is through the act of cooking and sharing meals that we show our affection for one another.

As a migrant, food has become my connection to my home, my soul, and my relationships. It is through the language of food that I find nourishment in different forms, allowing me to express my love and connect with others.

I have a theory that if you share a meal with someone, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something in common with them, no matter your differences.

Inviting someone for lunch or dinner and bonding over food is how I’ve managed to make friends in my first year of moving abroad.

Nourishment beyond the physical

Food has the extraordinary ability to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls. Every dish I prepare holds a piece of my heart and heritage.

The familiar aroma of spices, the vibrant colors, and the flavors transport me back to my home. It reminds me of memories (good or bad) that I now fondly look back at.

It’s an instant connection that fills me with a sense of belonging and memories, even when I’m far away.

When my grandmother passed away late last year and I couldn’t go home for the funeral, I honored her legacy by cooking food that reminded me of her.

I made her signature dessert leche flan, and as I was cooking, I could almost smell her in the kitchen with me. It was a bittersweet experience, but it helped me to heal and to feel closer to her.

Food as a language of love

Food has always been a powerful force in my life. It’s not just a means to fill my stomach; it goes beyond nourishment and becomes a language of love.

I believe that everyone has a love language, and for people like me, it’s food. If you’re looking for a way to show someone you care or maybe to bond and connect with them, consider cooking or treating them to a meal. You’ll be surprised how easy the conversation goes when there’s food on the table.

Food is nourishment for the soul, and I’m grateful for the way it has enriched my life.

This piece was written in response to the Modern Women May prompt on the topic of nourishment.