With the arrival of February, so comes the season of love. Love is an emotion that strongly dictates our decisions and ideas, and it can be shown in a variety of ways. One of these is words of affirmation, or affection through the use of one’s word choices. This love language has come to prevail throughout the younger generation, and showcases the importance of reassurance.
The most common phrase to come from this would be, “I love you,” three words that provide a much deeper meaning and appreciation for another person.
“The most memorable thing I’ve been told is I’m proud of you or I love you,” says sophomore Brandon Zarr, “This is memorable to me because I always strive to be the best, and this makes me feel as if I’m good at something.”
Affection by words is extremely important as it can be a simple reminder to somebody that their efforts are being noticed, especially when they are in doubt of themselves. A simple compliment is a gift in itself, and can flip someone’s whole day around.
“When I receive compliments, it makes me so happy and it makes my day a lot better,” shares sophomore Meriely Lopez.
To her and many others, a compliment is a motivator to share that kindness with other people, even if it’s just a simple “hello.”
“I believe giving out compliments is important because it makes others feel valued, especially if they are having a hard day,” states Supriti Saini.
Words of Affirmation can be the simplest thought, such as just merely complimenting one’s hair or outfit. However, the most valuable words come when they are targeted towards one’s character, or what makes them unique.
Insecurity has become extremely common for teenagers due to the fear of being judged simply because you may express yourself differently than the majority. However, when you notice something that makes you smile about another person, it’s always important to express that sentiment, as one’s words can change someone’s perception of themselves.
People may say that “actions speak for themselves,” yet due to one’s background, everyone interprets situations differently, but words are our universal language, making communication even more crucial.
“Affection by words is important because if I’m not told that you love me or miss me how am I supposed to know,” questions Brandon Zarr, “Actions are a lot, but communication is just as much to me.”
Simple reassurance and compliments are extremely significant to building relationships, yet words can continue to expand to so much more. Writing a letter or even sending a paragraph to someone showcases the level of appreciation you have for them, especially when it’s without question.
“When someone gives me word dominated gifts like letters, notes, or I get sent a paragraph, it makes me feel really loved because it means they took their time to write to me and that they had something to say,” Meriely Lopez explains.
She continues to say that for these reasons, gifts focused on words are her favorite to receive, because she can acknowledge the effort and vulnerability that went into it.
Words are the easiest gift to give to another, yet they can still remain the most meaningful. As we celebrate love this month, be sure to share appreciation for those around you, as words can go a long way.
