Love begins when someone else’s needs become more important… it’s a powerful shift from ‘me’ to ‘we’. This isn’t just sentiment; it’s the practical engine of lasting relationships. Let’s break down what Gary Chapman really meant.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote defines love as a conscious, selfless choice to prioritize another person. It marks the transition from feeling to action.
Explanation
Here’s the thing I’ve seen in my work – most people think love is a feeling you fall into. Chapman flips that. He’s saying the feeling is the *result*, not the cause. The real beginning is that moment of decision. You’re tired, but you listen because they need to talk. You’d rather watch the game, but you fold the laundry because you know they’re overwhelmed. It’s in these tiny, unsexy moments that love is actually built. It’s a verb. It’s an active investment. And honestly? It’s a relief. Because it means you have agency. You’re not just waiting for a feeling to strike; you’re building it, brick by brick, with your choices.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Love (89) |
| Topics | empathy (143), sacrifice (12), service (57) |
| Literary Style | moral (11), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | humble (74), warm (182) |
| Overall Quote Score | 81 (258) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Gary Chapman’s mega-bestseller, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, first published in the United States back in 1992. You might see it floating around attributed to others, but its true home is in Chapman’s foundational work on relational dynamics.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Gary Chapman (41) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts (41) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dr. Gary Chapman is a pastor/counselor who authored many books such as Five Love Languages which has transformed millions of relationships. He teaches families and couples on how to express love and care in ways that are understood. He holds multiple degrees from Wheaton, Wake Forest, and Southwestern Seminary, he blends scholarship with real-life counselling. For a quick overview of his works, check this Gary Chapman book list and find tips for better marriage, parenting, and personal growth.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Love begins when someone else’s needs become more important than your own |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1992; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780802412706; Last edition: Revised Edition (2015); Number of pages: 208 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 5: Acts of Service, Approximate page 102, Revised Edition (2015) |