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Wellness Guide
Affirming Love With Words of Affirmation As a Relationship Game-Changer
When it comes to expressing my emotions, I struggle. In my familial relationships as well as friendships, I wrestle with my inner self to let go of my words and talk about what’s bothering me. I’m sure you can relate to me, especially if you’re someone who keeps their cards close to their heart. Vulnerability, for us, is not a choice we make willingly. But, when it comes to words, love, and relationships, not but communication can be our savior.
Among the many ways we communicate with our loved ones, especially our partners and spouses, there is one that is often overlooked but can have a profound effect on our love languages – Words of Affirmation.
The concept of love languages was popularized by Dr. Gary Chapman in, “The Five Love Languages”. These five love languages are what we all resonate with and are the ones we prefer to receive from our partners as well.
These five love languages are;
- Words of Affirmation
- Acts of Service
- Quality Time
- Receiving Gifts, and
- Physical Touch
Words of affirmation as a love language can be quite powerful, when used right, of course. Words, in the end, have a lot of power to either make or break a relationship. You can’t take back what you say in anger or regret, nor what you say in love and affection. Counting on that, let’s take a look at words of affirmation love language as a way to deepen your relationship.
Words of Affirmation As a Love Language
Words of affirmation, as a love language, is about expressing the love and affection you hold in your heart for your partner or spouse through verbal means. It’s about using your literal words to build on the foundation of your relationship, encourage your loved one, and validate your partner’s feelings.
For some, a simple, “I love you” or receiving a compliment like, “I am proud of you” can hold an immense power and can work to strengthen your emotional connection.
If you’re wondering about your love language, you can take our free “What’s Your Love Language? Quiz” to find some answers!
But, how to know if your love language is words of affirmation? How to know that you thrive on spoken language more than actions in a relationship?
Here are some common signs that words of affirmation might be your love language;
- You thrive on sincere compliments and kind words
- You cherish when your partner verbally validates your feelings
- You feel motivated by encouraging words and criticism hits you harder than most
- You love it when there is open and honest communication in your relationship. Words come easily to you
- You remember words spoken to you – whether they are heartfelt declarations of love, a passing comment, or negative feedback
Words of Affirmation As a Receiving Love Language
Words of affirmation become a receiving love language when it’s you who likes when your partner compliments you or appreciates you with their words. If words of affirmation is your receiving love language, then here’s how you can use it in your relationship to deepen the bonds;
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Talk About it With Your Partner
When your partner compliments you or appreciates you, it fills your heart with love and affection. Here, hearing simple phrases like, “Thank you” or “I’m proud of you” reassures you of your value and love in your partner’s eyes. Let your partner know how much this means to you.
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Hear Both Sides
You love seeking validation for your emotions and experiences. When your partner offers you the same, listens to you attentively, and responds with understanding words, it strengthens your belief in them and your relationship. Keep doing this and tell your partner about it, but also listen to them when they come to you with their emotions.
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Reciprocate When You Can
Encouraging words motivate you to continue your good efforts and overcome any challenges that come your way. Knowing that your partner believes in you can boost your confidence and self-esteem. However, whenever you can, reciprocate the same to your partner. Tell them how much their words impact you. It wouldn’t harm you to give some verbal encouragement to your partner from time to time, either.
Words of Affirmation As a Giving Love Language
Everyone is different, and so are their love languages. If your partner’s love language is words of affirmation, then you can use the love language as a way to open new avenues in your relationship and make them feel appreciated. Here are some ways you can support your partner if words of affirmation is their love language;
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Compliment Them Freely
Shower your partner with sincere compliments and praise. Do not exaggerate the praises as they won’t be genuine anymore. You can start by noticing their efforts and qualities, and express your admiration openly. It’ll make them blush and give you another reason to love them!
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Be Vocal About Your Feelings
Share your love and feelings with your partner openly, honestly, and regularly. Do not hesitate to vocalize your affection, praise, gratitude, and admiration for your partner to them. Know that people whose love language is words of affirmation thrive on verbal expressions of love, gratitude, and affection.
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Be Their Cheerleader
Offer words of motivation and support to your partner, especially when they are struggling with expressing their true feelings or are going through something difficult. Let them know – with your words – that you’re there for them. Use your words – quite literally – to let them know you won’t let them go and that you believe in them.
Once you do this, see how your simple words would be able to change how your partner does whatever they do!
20 Examples of Words of Affirmation As a Love Language
Words of affirmation mean that you use your words to tell your partner how much they mean to you. Here, actions might not speak louder than words. So, how can you love your partner with this love language?
Here are some common phrases you can use every day to appreciate, admire, and love your partner and their love language a bit more;
- “You mean the world to me”
- “I’m grateful for you and the love we share”
- “You are doing an awesome job”
- “I believe in you and your dreams”
- “You motivate me to be a better person”
- “I love how you always make me laugh”
- “Thank you for being you”
- “You’re incredibly talented and supportive”
- “I appreciate everything you do for me and us”
- “You’re beautiful in so many ways”
- “I feel lucky to have you in my life”
- “Your kindness makes my day”
- “I am proud of all the things you’ve accomplished”
- “You have a heart of gold”
- “You’re an invaluable part of my life”
- “You’re such a thoughtful person”
- “I’m amazed at your strength, every day”
- “You’re perfect and lovable just the way you are”
- “I love you more than words can express”
- “You have a beautiful soul”
Wrap Up…
In this world where actions speak louder than words, we often underestimate the power and magic of verbal language. To deepen your relationship with your loved ones, words of affirmation can play a big role. Whether you’re the one speaking or the one listening, words of affirmation love language have the power to nurture the seed of love, deepen emotional connections, and create a bond so strong it can withstand any storm that comes your way.
So, use your words and speak your heart. Listen with intent and watch how your relationship flourishes with just words of affirmation, love, and admiration.
I hope this article helped you understand what words of affirmation love language are, how they work, and how to use it for your relationship. Let us know what your love language is and how you show your love and affection to your partner in the comments below.
Take Care!