Words are powerful. Whether the power comes via actual words or the tone of voice in which they were said, it is there. Although everyone needs verbal affirmation in their life, a person who speaks the language of Words of Affirmation, feels a lack of affirmation very keenly. Likewise, positive words are honey to their soul.

Our words of appreciation and honest compliments are powerful communicators of love. They are most easily expressed in simple, straight forward affirmations.

"What a nice dress!"
"Thank you for doing the dishes"
"I appreciate it that you took out the trash without being asked."

An even better way to provide your Words Person with affirmation, is to explain why you feel the way you do. To explain why you feel a certain way about the comment you made, helps the Words Person know that you truly mean the compliment you are giving. It lets them know you have studied them and considered their worth.

Describing an art project brought home by a child: "Oh those clouds are round and fluffy. The barn is a pretty shade of red. And look at those tulips! Yellow is my favorite color. What a beautiful picture!"

Helping a wife feel valued as a mother and homemaker: "Honey, I saw the time you took to help Jonathan after you dealt with making supper and cleaning up even though you were tired. I appreciate that. You were patient with him even when he didn't get it the third time. Your patience and diligence continues to make me so happy I married you."

Offering loving encouragement to a tired husband: "Wow. You look tired! You must have worked hard on the Smith Project with Barry. I know you said you've been having some trouble with it. I just want to let you know that your persistence to tackle this problem inspires me in my day as well. You are an inspiration."

On the flip side, words that are spoken with a nasty tone or those dripping with sarcasm or negative words, will be felt most sharply by someone who speaks the language of Words of Affirmation. There is great power in our words. We can speak with life or we can speak and cause "death". Impact from our words spoken in haste with anger and elevated tones is great. They bring damage to a marriage or great pain to a child’s molding soul. This is why Scripture devotes so much time to informing us of the dangers of the tongue.

The old saying rings true with Words of Affirmation people: "If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all." We should be trying to compliment and encourage those we love, whether they speak this particular language or not. However, if you know or are discovering that your loved one thrives on compliments and verbal affirmations then, open up your mouth and speak the love they need to hear.

If you are to the point in a certain relationship and feel that there is nothing good you can say to your troublesome person, you'll need to be creative. Scripture tell us in Philippians 4:8 to think about whatever is noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. There is something about the other person. Ask God to reveal something admirable to you.

Oh and by the way, we absolutely adore you as a reader. *grin*