By Jennifer Karina
Often we hear women say phrase like, “Words will never hurt me!” Although many of us grew up hearing this statement, the opposite is so true; words do have the capacity to hurt deeply.
Tongue has the power of life and death. We can use words to inspire, encourage, discourage or destroy lives.
Charity yearned for love and affection after finding her Prince Charming, the love of her life.
Her life was complete but before long into the relationship, her partner began to use some subtle statements that disturbed her.
“Honey, you need to check your weight, those love handles and stretch marks need to go. How about you get Bio oil and do something about those sagging breasts,” said the dissatisfied hubby.
If it was not about her body image it was about her mind.
“What does he like about me anyway?” Charity wondered in her frustration. Her low self-esteem was eating her on the inside, which also affected their sex life.
She was so angry with her partner that she often lashed at him: “What kind of a man are you anyway, useless, good for nothing.” This in turn injured his ego.
Words of affirmation are essential for emotional health and wellness and it also contributes to good relationships and consequently a good sex life. A little flattery too, never hurt anyone; as a matter of fact it works magic. So from today affirm your partner!
Where are you at in your relationship? Maybe you have continually been criticised or continue to criticise your partner.
Your confidence has been deflated and you feel unable to move on because you cannot even believe in yourself.
Affirmation in relationships is powerful and communicating in that love language helps relationships grow, glow and thrive. Affirmation comes in simple, straightforward statements like, “You look sharp in that suit or you look great in that dress! Wow!” or “I really appreciate you for just who you are and want you to know that I don’t take you for granted.”
Love is kind and if we are to communicate it verbally, we must use kind words as we communicate. Here are a few guidelines to set the ball rolling:
1. Set a goal to give your partner a different compliment each day for one month and you will be amazed at the results.
2. Write a love letter, a love paragraph, or a love sentence to your partner occasionally expressing your appreciation for them.
3.Acknowledge your partner’s strengths and tell them how much you appreciate those strengths.
4. Practice using affirming words as a way of life not only to your partner but to all those that you interact with;it’s powerful.
There is always room to learn and improve in every area of our relationships. Using words of affirmation will certainly win the love and favour of your partner and will make your relationship thrive!
The writer is a motivational speaker and author of Marriage Built to Last.
