6 Outdoor Love Languages

Finding Outdoor Love Language - Part II

I remember being on some of my first hikes in the Pacific NW with a women's meetup group. This was well before Wild Diversity and the many other groups supporting communities in the outdoors. No matter what hike, backpack or weekend trip we went on, the group's central focus was hiking as fast as possible and getting miles in. If one wasn't as fast as the fastest person they still had to turn around when the fastest person was done. That meant only 1 or 2 people got to see the summit, waterfall or beautiful old growth tree at the end. 

I knew it didn't have to be that way. However many outdoor groups had the mindset of "Go fast to not get left behind". For those who don't connect to the outdoors in this way it can make hiking and backpacking very off putting and disconnecting. Many don't want to return to the outdoors because of one-size-fits-all type of experiences similar to this. Luckily much has changed since that time. It is more possible to find folks who want to adventure in the same way you do. 

You and I both know that there are so many ways to get outside. Yet we still may find ourselves defaulting to others’ outdoor needs. So let's talk about some different types of Outdoor Love Languages and see where we personally land. 

Outdoor Love Languages

The Victor

The Victor is all about achievement– it could be the summit or mileage. They love to do and move outdoors. A classic busy body for the trails, camp or the beach. You are certain to have a full itinerary if you adventure with a Victor. A Victor appreciates the feeling of completing whatever their goal may be. It can be geoquesting, harvesting or getting to the end of a beautiful hike. The Victor's outdoor time is often robust and complete.

The Comfort Seeker

The Comfort Seeker loves to relax and find ease in their outdoor experience. It can be less movement centered and more focused on creating a peaceful space to just be. This could be in sharp contrast from their day to day. The Comfort Seeker could also enjoy reading, writing or engaging in the outdoors in new and creative ways (i.e. painting, photography, etc.) They could use the time of ease to heal, rest or just be internal. If you identify as The Comfort Seeker, the outdoors could be a great time for you to disconnect, be out of a routine, or find a process which supports your well-being. 

The Thrill Seeker

They may like the feeling of the adrenaline rush, danger or the excitement of being in the elements. It can be racing through the forest with a mountain bike or close encounters with bears. They love a certain level of enjoyable risk as they adventure in the outdoors. The Thrill Seeker appreciates a personal challenge. They could want to try it all or work on besting their previous selves.

The Giver

The Giver does more and gives back. It always feels good to support, create change. For them it may be more about what they can do for the outdoors than what they can take from it. They love to steward or help heal the impact of our presence on the land as their form of connection to the outdoors. Adjacent to the Victor, the Giver can be a worker bee. The Giver may seek more of a symbiotic relationship with the space to better support an ecosystem.

The Connector

The Connector appreciates social time in the outdoors. For them it is all about connection, building community and quality time with other folks. It is all about laughter, deep conversations or getting to know themselves and others in the wild. They can pair best with other Outdoor Love Languages because they often are open to many ways of being in the outdoors as long as they are spending time with others.

The Naturalist

The Naturalist likes to get up close and personal with nature. They like to feel the moss on the rocks; stop to identify the ferns and insects; or watch and listen to the birds. For them, they like to take time and see what is there in the space they are in. They prioritize curiosity in the journey rather than the destination. The Naturalist may find sweetness in a view or revel in the forest's scents. They may sing to the forest creatures in hopes to become friends. 

Which love language did you connect with the most? Was it a single one or a combination? Comment below and tell me what else you would add to this list.

Once you have an idea of your Outdoor Love Language check out Part III and let's commit to going on the most compatible outdoor adventures in 2023!