The Perfect Gifts To Give Someone With A Words Of Affirmation Love Language
Does your partner feel loved most when you're telling them how you feel about them? Do they swoon over a simple "I miss you" text? Words of affirmation might be their love language. Explained by Gary Chapman, PhD, in his book "The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate", words of affirmation are one way to categorize how someone feels loved.
So, the first step is "identifying your and your partner's primary love language and constantly speaking that language," relationship expert Dainis Graverist told Cosmopolitan. This not only helps you understand each other's needs better but using each other's love languages can actually help foster growth since love languages "help us understand how to communicate to our partner love and how they communicate love," Battistin explains (via Cosmopolitan).
"If your partner has "words of affirmation" as their love language, language is the key word when it comes to understanding them. Words of affirmation can be spoken or written words that are supportive and empathic," licensed marriage family therapist Jennie Marie Battistin told Cosmopolitan. "They often acknowledge, identify, and recognize a person's behavior, contributions, successes, or challenges." There are things you probably should say to your partner every day, but someone with "words of affirmation" really gets the most out of you sharing your feelings.
Want to spoil the word lover in your life? We pulled together the perfect gift ideas for someone with a words of affirmation love language.
Write a love letter
Sometimes simple is better and for the person who has "words of affirmation" as their love language, giving them words can be the best gift. Whether you're in a new or established relationship, taking the time to hand write a love letter is going to mean the world to your partner. In the age of text message and email, having something physical with your words on it is rare. "The act of crafting a highly specific and personalized message matters more than repeating a line you heard in a movie or copy and pasting a poem you found online," says Julie Nguyen of mindbodygreen.
We're not really strangers card game
"Communicate specific things you appreciate that your partner does," suggests Sherri Gordon at VeryWellMind. If you're not sure how to communicate, or where even to start, get the We're Not Really Strangers card game. With expansion packs like "honest dating" and "relationships", you'll be giving your partner the gift of words – but you'll also be communicating with them, too, (hopefully) learning more about each other in the process.
Sound wave art
Don't be afraid to get creative for someone whose love language is words of affirmation. When it comes to gift giving, think outside the box. Just like with writing a love letter, having a physical reminder of words is a perfect gift. Capture the shape of the way you feel about your loved one by having the shape of the sound waves your words make. You can go simple with an "I love you", or "I do". Looking to propose with a gift? Have the sound wave printed, capturing the moment of popping the question in a way that's just for the two of you.
A Journal
Instead of giving your partner the gift of words, give them a gift that allows them space for their own words. The key to giving a journal as a gift for someone whose love language is words of affirmation is personalization. On the first page, make sure you write an inscription. Choose a quote they love, a quote that reminds you of them, or a heart-felt note in your own words. This gift is showing them you know how much words mean to them and how much their words mean to you.
Affirmation Jewelry
If your partner has "words of affirmation" as their love language, giving them a necklace or bracelet with a reminder of how you feel is a great gift. "The trick with words of affirmation is understanding what kind of positive phrases speak directly to your partner," couples therapist Antonia Di Leo tells MindBodyGreen. Is there something you know your partner needs reassurance about? Choose that phrase. For some, a "You Are Enough" necklace is the perfect. For others, bracelet sets with affirmations stamped into them is better option.