The words of affirmation love language has become increasingly talked about in recent years. The five love languages have formed a key part of understanding how we give and receive love and words of affirmation — you guessed it — are all about demonstrating love through genuine, authentic communication.
But, what do words of affirmation mean, how do you use them, and what effect can this love language have on a relationship? We’ve covered all this, and more, below in our extensive guide to the words of affirmation love language!
What Are Love Languages?
Whether you’re in a committed, exclusive relationship or you’re trying to impress your crush, it’s useful to know how to show them you care. This is where the concept of love languages comes in. First developed by Dr. Gary Champan, love languages outline the general ways in which people express and experience love.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick recap of the five different love languages:
1. Words of affirmation: Using words and authentic, meaningful communication to encourage, support, express gratitude, and show love to your partner.
2. Quality time: Giving and receiving love through spending time together with your partner without any outside distractions.
3. Physical touch: Expressing and demonstrating love through physical contact such as hand-holding, giving a massage, hugging, and cuddling.
4. Acts of service: Using small acts of kindness to make your partner feel loved. Things can include things like helping them with their chores, cooking a meal, or planning a holiday.
5. Gifts: Expressing and receiving love through giving gifts that act as tokens of appreciation. This can be anything from small notes to larger, expensive gifts.
What Do Words of Affirmation Mean?
As you may have realized, the focus of this love language is words. Ask your partner how they feel when you give them compliments. If it makes their heart skip a beat, words of affirmation is likely their love language.
This means that congratulating your partner on an achievement, telling them that you appreciate them, and encouraging them when they feel down will make them feel loved. Showing empathy and taking time out to have meaningful conversations are all part of the words of affirmation love language. The bottom line here is that the words you use will have more of an impact than your actions.
How to Use Words of Affirmation: 3 Top Tips to Bear in Mind
Creativity and authenticity are key when it comes to using words of affirmation. If this is your partner’s love language, you’ll need to find the best ways to communicate your love for them, whether that’s printing out inspiring quotes or leaving romantic goodnight messages. Below, we’ve laid out some top tips on how to use words of affirmation.
1. Keep it authentic
Words of affirmation only work when they’re genuine. Try to make sure that whenever you’re communicating with them, it’s authentic and from the heart. If you’re saying things that aren’t really all that sincere, they’ll likely be able to spot this for what it is.
2. Show empathy
For those whose love language is words of affirmation, communication from their partner should be empathetic. They want you to show that you understand how they’re feeling and the effect that’s having on them.
Always make sure that you’re showing empathy when communicating with them. Be understanding of their situation and show your support through the words you use.
3. Get creative
When it comes to the words of affirmation love language, creativity is key. Sure, you can send them a simple text message to tell them you love them. But, communication is most effective and efficient if you mix things up now and then.
Try out new, interesting ways of using words of affirmation for her and him. For example, write them a love note and leave it next to their bed for them to find when they wake up in the morning. Or, mail them a romantic love letter that talks about all the unique details that you love about them.
