The Five Love Languages: Words of Encouragement

The Five Love Languages, as described by Gary Chapman, involve five primary ways in which individuals express their love and affection for each other. The Five Love Languages are as follows: Acts of Service, Gift Giving (and Receiving), Physical Touch and Closeness, Quality Time, and Words of Encouragement. This article will focus on Words of Encouragement. Remember that you or your loved one not only gives through their primary love language, but they also recognize love through that same method. If you are expressing your love through a different method, then they may simply not recognize or acknowledge it, since it is not their primary form of expression.

Words of Encouragement. This love language is based upon encouraging, uplifting and inspiring personal messages to each other. If you primarily show your love through Words of Encouragement, then you spend a lot of time writing or telling nice and complimentary things to your loved ones. This is not a form of being "fake," but a sincere, warm way which you use to show how much you care about, admire and respect these individuals.

How to Recognize It. If your loved one uses Words of Encouragement as their primary love language, then they probably compliment you a lot. You may receive little notes of encouragement, uplifting phrases throughout the day, and you may not even see how much love is given to you if this is not YOUR primary love language.

How to Employ It. It is important to express your love to your partner or family member through THEIR primary love language, not just yours. This is because they only recognize your affection through their own language. If their primary expression is through Words of Encouragement, start using them yourself. Sit down and write 10 things you really love and appreciate about them. Give them the list. This will start things off. After that, you can notice and verbally state any little things they do throughout the day which you enjoy. Even how they appear is a great way to get into this habit.

Words of Encouragement must be heartfelt and sincere, but if you have never tried to express your love through this form before, it may seem awkward and unbelievable to you. Don't worry. It will become more natural and smoother the more you practice.