How to Affirm Your Friends and Loved Ones

Whenever I meet someone for the first time, I scan them for access points for opportunity to affirm them or compliment them. This needs to happen in the first five seconds of meeting. If you love yourself and others, talk to me if you would like to develop this skill.

I pondered the depths of my soul as I prepared to develop something meaningful to share in this blogpost. The inspiration came from a note I received this morning that said, “You are really kind. Thanks for making me feel warm.” I was ready to write.

Here we go. The following are a few best practices for affirming friends and loved ones.

Be Present. When with your friends and loved ones, be fully present with them.do not fidget like you want to be somewhere else. Don’t be buried in your phone or looking around like you cannot pay attention for seconds at the time. Don act as if you are in a hurry.

Be present like you are really there with them and grateful to be with them in the present moment. Give of yourself to them of your time, attention, and affection. Make the moment one of epic and meaningful connection.

Listen actively and empathize with their feelings and experiences.

Being a good listener is important in any relationship. It helps to build trust and understanding. When your loved one or friend is talking to you, give them your full attention and try to understand their point of view. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings. Offer genuine encouragement and support.

Show genuine interest and ask questions about their lives.

Showing interest in their life is a way to show them that they are important to you. Ask them questions about their day, their work, their hobbies, and their interests. Showing interest in their lives will also give you a deeper understanding of who they are and what they value and develop an even more vital connection between you.

Give compliments and express appreciation for their positive qualities and actions.

Help people feel good about themselves, who they are. Everyone likes to be recognized for their positive qualities and actions. Give them specific compliments and express appreciation for the things they do. It will boost their self-esteem and make them feel good about themselves.

Offer support and assistance in times of need.

When your loved one or friend is going through a difficult time, offer your presence, support, and assistance. This can be as simple as offering a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. If they need help with something, be there to lend a hand. Demonstrate care.

Communicate openly and honestly in a non-judgmental way.

Open and honest communication is important to any functionally healthy relationship. Be honest with your loved one or friend. Do not be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings. Manage your tone. Speak in a non-judgmental non-threatening way. Be open. Make effort to understand their perspective.

Show respect for their boundaries and opinions, even if they differ from your own.

Respect is an absolute must in any relationship. Respect your loved one or friend's boundaries and opinions, even when they differ from your own. It's important to understand that we are all different and have different perspectives. That is not just okay. That’s good.

Be consistent and dependable in your actions and words.

Consistency and dependability are important to relationship. Follow through on your commitments with your loved one or friend, especially when she or he needs you. This will not only help to build trust, but strengthen the foundations of your relationship. You can be depended on.

Show physical affection and give them a hug or pat on the back when appropriate.

Touch, physical affection, such as a hug or a pat on the back can be a powerful way to show your loved one or friend that you care about them. It can also help to build intimacy and strengthen the bond between you. It will sweeten your relationship.

Apologize and take responsibility when you make mistakes.

No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. When you make a mistake in your relationship, apologize and take responsibility for your actions. This shows your loved one or friend that you are willing to admit when you are wrong v wronged them. They will be reassured that you value their feelings.

Show interest in their hobbies and interests, and encourage them to pursue their passions.

Encourage your loved one or friend to pursue their hobbies and interests. Showing interest in their passions will help them feel valued and supported, and it can also bring you closer together.

If this post has spoken to you, add your perceptions in the comments. Your words may be the ones to make a positive difference and yield positive impact in another reader’s life.

When seeking help you with personal and professional relationship development, schedule a free 20-minute opportunity to discuss a path to achieve your goals. Email: oscarcrawfordmedia@gmail.com  Phone: +1 (480) 228 - 4654