Since moving pictures were first put together from a series of still photographs to settle a bet – whether a horse raised all its hooves off the ground, or not, when running – people have been fascinated by the illusion cinematography. Motion pictures, or films, have developed from early studies into movements to a distinct art form in its own right. Today, the main formats for films are digital although some film-makers still like to use the old analogue cameras that so many brilliant and pioneering films were made on. They can touch us, entertain us, educate us and provide great shared moments as well as intimate ones. Like other story-telling art forms, such as literature, films are likely to be around so long as people have things to say about the human condition.
First published in 1992, The Five Love Languages is a book that is entirely focussed on the most intimate relationships held between adults. It looks at five different paths whereby love, affection and even romance are followed, which are referred to in the book as 'languages', hence the meaning of its title. The five so-called languages are spending quality time with one another, exchanging gifts, physical touching, words of affirmation, and acts of devotion. The last one is sometimes also referred to as acts of service. The idea of the book is that it is a guide to self-counselling that individuals and couples can follow in order to re-establish higher levels of affection and love in their relationship. In it, the advocated approach is that a person will look at the way their partner expresses his or her love with others, and an attempt is made to use the same 'language' subsequently. The original version of the book had the sub-title “How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate” although this was dropped from later editions.