The Love Lock Series: The Secret Language Chapter

In Taylor Swift’s illicit affairs she sings, “you taught me a secret language I can’t speak with anyone else.” While the song is about a breakup, there’s truth to love being a language only two people know. It’s the inside jokes, affectionate back and forth, understanding each other’s stories, goals, and motives, and fulfilling what someone needs in moments of confusion and hardship. 

My friend and fellow writer Francisco Balseca explored all the various components that add up to the language he’s looking for, the one that makes him fall in love. 

“When you love someone romantically, it means you see more than just today—you see forever with this person,” he said. Finding someone who speaks Spanish fluently is important to Francisco as that is his first language. “Spanish is the language I can love in better than English. Culture is important to me. Communication is made easier if I’m with someone who also speaks Spanish, but it’s about more than that. I am more myself in Spanish, and I want my wife to be the person I’m most myself with.” 

Francisco is also drawn to a sweet smile and a spontaneous nature to go out and explore and do fun things. “I think my needs are connected to my emotions, and so if someone comes into my life and has similar goals and aspirations, our traits will likely align with what we both want for each other.” Being with someone creative is a plus, considering a large part of Francisco’s career is serving as the founder and CEO of his marketing company Huatl. Having someone who understands his world of implementing creative ideas to build something meaningful is important to him. 

All in all, love is a language, which requires learning, listening, and making mistakes. But when you find the one person who is willing to put in the work to know your language, and whose language translates to your own, it’s all worth it.