Words of Affirmation

(An excerpt from the Book by Gary Chapman : The five love languages)

One way to express love emotionally is to use words that build up.  Solomon, author of the ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, wrote, ‘The tongue has the power of life and death’.  Many couples have never leaned the tremendous power of verbally affirming each other.  Solomon further noted, ‘An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Verbal compliments, or words of appreciation, are powerful communicators of love.  They are best expressed in simple, straightforward statements of affirmation, such as:

• You look sharp in that suit
• Do you ever look nice in that dress! Wow!
• You must be the best potato cook in the world.  I love these potatoes
• I really appreciate your washing the dishes tonight

The five love languages by: Gary Chapman pg. 39-40

So in reading the above what goes through your mind?  Do you think… ‘Yes… it WOULD be nice to hear my partner speak more words of affirmation, compliments, encouragements to me?’  Or do you think…. ‘This reminds me of things my partner asks for more of’?

If you thought either of the above statements then perhaps you or your partners primary love language is ‘Words of Affirmation’?  If you suspect your spouse might fit this category try showering them with some positive and affirming words and see how they respond.  I imagine that if Words of Affirmation is their love language this will be something that really resonates with them, warms them up towards you and really communicates LOVE to them!!!

C