Well, try buying your own damn birthday gifts for the last 10 years because he had no clue (and didn't want to know) about what to get me.
I believe in giving gifts to celebrate the big things, like birthdays and anniversaries. And that gift should clearly show that you care about and know that person well enough to get them just the right thing. It doesn't have to be expensive either. It could be quality time together at a little bed and breakfast in the neighboring EU country for example...
Of course, my Love Language is flexible due to circumstances. When in a LDR, my priorities change. That's when the physical touch is much less vital than the Words of Affirmation.
As for words of affirmation, I'm exceptionally good at doing that. I believe in telling people how I feel about them, and I have the eloquence, courage, and ability to fully express myself emotionally to do that.
Just my luck last time I did that the guy couldn't handle it.
You're talking to an American starting to date again in Holland... and the last time I dated was on a college campus in Texas. So I get what you're saying about social phenomena having an impact. I have a BS in psychology and took some interesting sociology classes as well, so Ï really do get what you mean.
I am just pointing out things in your post that I read that would account for your lack of success in just about any setting. And if you choose to ignore those habits, I refer you to the theory that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results
And you can't really separate the why and the how if you're serious about making change.
So good luck with your sociological question. When you're ready to take practical steps to differ your results, try giving my good advice another read withoutthe condescending attitude (which could be why your friend does better than you... just what are you projecting for all to see?).
RE: What language of love do you speak?
Your author didn't take into account my personality type (ENTP/ENTJ)... we're only 2% of the population.