{"id":88300,"date":"2023-02-09T11:02:03","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T09:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/it-is-the-loving-gestures-that-count-the-most-uk-study-finds-20230206-2\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T06:31:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T04:31:49","slug":"it-is-the-loving-gestures-that-count-the-most-uk-study-finds-20230206-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/districtmailhelderberg\/it-is-the-loving-gestures-that-count-the-most-uk-study-finds-20230206-2\/","title":{"rendered":"It is the loving gestures that count the most, UK study finds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A two-year study by The Open University in the United Kingdom has shown it\u2019s not grand bouquets and boxes of chocolates that keep love alive, but rather selfless gestures, with a cup of tea singled out as a significant sign of a partner\u2019s affection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers interviewed close to 5 000 men and women on expressing love to partners in the 21st century. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study, aptly called \u201cEnduring Love\u201d, found that while saying \u201cI love you\u201d was important, showing love in deed, and not only word, was valued most. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thoughtful gifts and generous acts of kindness, described as expressions of love, and were not dependent on money or significant dates, such as a birthday or Valentine\u2019s Day. But rather, what the gift or gesture signified was what was most important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adele du Toit, spokesperson for the South Africa Rooibos Council (SARC), said one of the most important facets of life was having a meaningful and loving relationship with someone one cared deeply about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the modern age of technology, when we are communicating more than ever before, real and personal connections seem to be waning,\u201d she said. \u201cThe constant barrage of tweets, texts and emails have replaced face-to-face interaction. Taking the time to make a cup of tea for our spouse or partner helped rebuild lost or broken connections, while expressing our desire to care for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSharing a cup of tea with someone is designed to build deeper and more meaningful relationships.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It does so in three ways:<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Tea provides a mutual experience that can be enjoyed together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. It consists of an act of kindness. From carefully measuring out the leaves or tea bags, gently pouring the water into the teapot and emptying its contents into your finest cups, make your companion feel appreciated. It\u2019s symbolic of how you feel about them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Carving out time to be with your special someone in that moment, also encourages richer conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Du Toit remarks that throughout history, people have turned to herbs to express feelings of love, passion and romance. Still in many cultures, herbs like lavender, spearmint, ginger, damiana, chamomile and lemon balm are celebrated for their romantic powers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to its high antioxidant content, rooibos too is considered one such aphrodisiac. The popular herbal infusion stimulates neurons to keep firing feel-good messages to the brain, which is considered the most important organ in the body when it comes to intimacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Du Toit says antioxidants aren\u2019t naturally produced in the body, but are obtained through consuming fruits, vegetables or tisanes, like rooibos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShowing affection to your loved one on Valentine\u2019s Day doesn\u2019t have to break the bank. While appreciated, grand romantic gestures aren\u2019t always as nurturing as connecting with the one you love over a cup of tenderly made rooibos. Carving out quality time will make your partner feel seen, heard and loved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find a romantic rooibos infusion that\u2019ll match your type of lover, go to www.sarooibos.co.za, or surprise them with a rooibos love potion or an indulgent rooibos and hibiscus bath:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A love potion to share with the one that holds your heart<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n