Reflecting on friendship

It is important to tell your friends exactly what you love about them.

Last weekend, I gave one of my best friend's a speech at her 21st, reflecting on what I love about her and our friendship. Sure, there was still a little bit of savage banter (many speeches often enter this territory...) but it highlighted how much I enjoy putting into words what I love about my friends.

One of my love languages is Words of Affirmation. This means that I love using words to express my admiration and care for people. For me, this typically manifests into writing cards, letters, or even long text messages to my friends. My friends and I also have this game, which is perhaps quite intense to some people, called 'Compliment Circle'. Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like: we all sit in a circle and take turns to compliment each person. It sounds very silly, but sometimes it is nice to just dedicate time to hyping up your friends and making them feel loved. 

I think it is so important to actually articulate to your friends exactly what makes them special to you. This doesn't have to be to the extent of writing them a speech, but even just letting them know what traits or qualities connect them to you. 

Though if you do think words of affirmation could be your love language, maybe this is the time to sit down with a pen and paper, and pour out all your feelings. Trust me: you'll make someone's day!