Love Languages: Words of Affirmation
WORDS // SAM PALENCIA
Words can be undervalued. Often a greater attention is put towards action. However, for those whose love language is words of affirmation, words hold such importance and are essential.
For me, that means that words stick and I value them above most other things.
When my fiancé and I first started dating in high school, we used to write each other cheesy little rhymes. After reading one of his silly poems, I always felt appreciated and loved. I didn't know what love languages were back then, but I realize now, that words of affirmation have always been important to me.
This continues to be true both in my relationship with my fiancé and with my friends. Hearing those I love say words of encouragement truly lifts my spirit and brings great joy.
Over the years, I have continued to thrive under affirmation. My growth through affirmation extends past my relationships with others and into my work. One of the biggest ways I have seen how important words of affirmation is in my desire to be as artist. Throughout high school and college, I pursued art and affirmation from those around was vital to growth. During my schooling, I was constantly encouraged as an artist and every time I heard someone say they were proud of me, my heart would soar.
While I have experienced a lot of positive things through affirmation, it is also a constant struggle to remind myself to not be too sensitive. For those of us with this love language, it is easy to read too far into what someone says and because words are so important to me, I can easily be hurt by little things most people would push to the side. While this is challenging, I have grown and come a long way over the years as I have realized how essential affirmation is to me.
I don't want to be known as someone who only takes encouragement, but also as someone who encourages others. My love of being affirmed often shows itself in how I speak with others. I love giving compliments to those around me because I want to share the happiness words give me with those around me. This is a rule that we can all learn from, not just those of us who feel loved through affirmation. Whether you do it through words or through action, go and encourage a friend today.
LETTERING // SAM PALENCIA