Page 65 - The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts

“Words of Affirmation.” When you read an article or book
on love, record the words of affirmation you find. When you
hear a lecture on love or you overhear a friend saying
something positive about another person, write it down. In
time, you will collect quite a list of words to use in
communicating love to your spouse.
You may also want to try giving indirect words of
affirmation, that is, saying positive things about your
spouse when he or she is not present. Eventually, someone
will tell your spouse, and you will get full credit for love. Tell
your wife’s mother how great your wife is. When her mother
tells her what you said, it will be amplified, and you will get
even more credit. Also affirm your spouse in front of others
when he or she is present. When you are given public honor
for an accomplishment, be sure to share the credit with your
spouse. You may also try your hand at writing words of
affirmation. Written words have the benefit of being read
over and over again.

I learned an important lesson about words of affirmation
and love languages in Little Rock, Arkansas. My visit with
Bill and Betty Jo was on a beautiful spring day. They lived in
a cluster home with white picket fence, green grass, and
spring flowers in full bloom. It was idyllic. Once inside,
however, I discovered that the idealism ended. Their
marriage was in shambles. Twelve years and two children