Did you know that about 90 percent of couples don’t speak the same language?
It’s true!
But we’re not referring to national tongues; instead, we’re talking about “love languages,” a proven romantic framework that helps people better navigate relationships.
The good news is that love languages are easy to learn, and couples that make an effort report significant communication gains.
So today, we’re exploring the whos, whats, and whys of love languages and handing out 65 love language affirmations for your communications quiver.
Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll use these ideas and examples to love someone with words of affirmation.
What Are the 5 Love Languages of Gary Chapman?
In 1992, Dr. Gary Chapman published a book called “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate.” In it, he outlined five categories of love perceptions and expressions.
These days, the book is regarded as a seminal work that’s helped millions of people communicate more effectively with romantic partners, friends, and family.
Words of Affirmation: People whose love language is words of affirmation respond well to compliments and value positive verbal feedback from their partners.
Quality Time: Quality time is the most popular love language, and its practitioners appreciate undivided attention. It’s not enough to simply be in the same room; quality time involves planning activities where you’re engaged with one another.
Gift Giving: People who speak the love language of gift-giving adore presents. However, it’s not rooted in materialism. They usually care more about the thought than the price in most cases.
Acts of Service: For some people, showing love involves lending a helping hand. Paying bills, handling the carpool, cleaning, cooking, walking the dog, changing the cat’s litter, and planning a surprise dream vacation all count as acts of service.
Physical Touch: Humans are a tactile species, and many of us associate physical touch with love. People who practice this love language appreciate cuddles, hugs, and kisses.
What Do You Say to Someone Whose Love Language is Words of Affirmation?
Verbal communication is paramount to people who appreciate words of affirmation. Essentially, they’re “tellers,” not “showers.” However, it’s vital to understand that affirmation adherents can sniff out insincerity — so don’t get caught deploying empty compliments!
To help out on that front, we’ve curated a list of 65 love languages words of affirmation.
65 Love Language Words of Affirmation Examples
We’ve discussed the basics, now let’s dive into some examples of words of affirmation.
Words of Affirmation for Her
1. You’re so special. I’m glad you’re in my life.
2. I admire your strength, tenacity, and generosity.
3. You are my guiding light.
4. Everything is better when you’re around.
5. I believe you can do absolutely anything to which you set your mind.
6. You may feel lonely, but you’re not alone. I’m always with you in spirit.
7. You don’t need to change a single thing about your body or how you look.
8. I was impressed when [insert act].
9. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend to me.
10. You’re incredible! I don’t know how you do it all and keep it all together.
11. I wish I were half as good at life as you.
12. You look great today. I like [insert something about the outfit, hair, or makeup].
13. Your sense of style is non-pareil.
14. If people have a problem with you, they’re the ones with a problem.
15. You are a rock star! Thank you so much for handling [insert act].
16. My family loves having you around as much as I do!
17. Your support means a tremendous amount to me.
Words of Affirmation for Him
18. I’m very lucky to have you in my life.
19. I am proud to be your [wife/girlfriend/partner].
20. I trust you implicitly.
21. You’re brilliant and wise, and I’ve learned so much from you.
22. You’re everything I need in a man.
23. Our children are so fortunate to have a dad like you.
24. I hear horror stories from other women about their relationships and realize how blessed I am to have you.
25. You’re the whole package: smart, helpful, generous, and kind.
26. You are an incredible father and friend.
27. I admire your ability to [insert behavior].
28. You work so hard, and I greatly appreciate it.
29. Your confidence in me gives me strength. All I need is you.
30. You make me feel so safe and secure.
31. I appreciate all that you provide.
32. Thank you for making my life easier.
33. If anyone can figure out a solution, it’s you.
Words of Affirmation for Wife
34. I’m just as attracted to you today as I was on the day we got married.
35. You’re the full package — gorgeous on the inside and out.
36. I’m grateful for your love and support. It keeps me grounded and balanced.
37. You’ve turned me into a better man.
38. I’m proud to have you by my side.
39. I thought I knew everything; I was wrong; you’ve taught me so much.
40. Even after all these years, I still love spending time with you.
41. You’re a blast to be around.
42. I value you, the person you are.
43. I’m so lucky to have married such an incredible [chef/provider/domestic manager].
44. I’d much rather spend time with you than with the guys.
45. You make me want to keep growing, learning, and doing better.
46. You inspire me to be my best.
47. I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with you this weekend.
50. My heart is so full of love for you that it’s about to explode.
51. I believe in you and know you have the ability to achieve your goals.
52. You always have the best ideas and critiques.
53. Your best is good enough.
54. I absolutely love it when you [insert admired trait].
55. I believe in you and everything that you do. You have my unconditional support.
56. I thank God daily that you’re in my life.
57. You’re an extraordinary person, and I’m thrilled you’re in my life.
58. It’s comforting to know that I can always count on you.
59. I’ve never met anyone who instinctively understands me as you do.
60. You’re my best friend and lover, and I value your opinions.
61. You smell delicious and look divine!
62. Our love is something that gets me through the day.
63. The thought of you makes me smile.
64. Thank you for going the extra mile for our relationship. I appreciate you.
65. I’m excited to spend the rest of my life waking up next to you.
How To Reply to Words of Affirmation
Sometimes, fielding compliments can be awkward. But if you have a few acknowledgment phrases in your back pocket, it’s easy to absorb the love.
When responding, try not to be overly emotional or treat the kind words with suspicion, excessive bashfulness, or argumentation. For example, you can:
Say, “That’s so nice of you! Thank you.” You could even top it off with a wink or a smile.
Give them a hug and thank them. If the person giving the compliment falls into the physical touch love language category, they’ll especially appreciate the reciprocal affection.
Blow a kiss and touch your heart — because sometimes, words are unnecessary.
Say, “I’m so pleased you noticed [insert thing]. Thank you so much!”
Say, “Your words are encouraging, and I appreciate them greatly.”
It’s important to avoid any negativity that might discourage further affirmations.
How Many People Have Words of Affirmation as Their Love Language?
The jewelry company Shane Co. did a comprehensive study of love languages among the US population. According to the results, 18.5% of the respondents expressed their love with verbal affirmations. Interestingly, 20.5% of men prefer words of affirmation compared to 16.6% of women.
States where the most number of people use words of affirmation as their love language include:
Georgia
Virginia
Louisiana
Kansas
Nebraska
Xenophone, a student of Socrates, once said that “praise is the sweetest of all sounds,” and people who respond to words of affirmation resonate deeply with the conceit.
Learning how to praise people authentically can positively impact any relationship, especially with people in the love language category.
It simply takes a desire to improve, a bit of research, and commitment to fill someone else’s “love tank.”
