The Dr. Psych Mom Show with clinical psychologist Dr. Samantha Rodman Whiten

Stop Saying You Want Words Of Affirmation When You Actually Want Verbal Ability

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Feb 11, 2025
Discover the subtle distinctions between wanting words of affirmation and seeking overall verbal skill in relationships. Explore the role of communication in fostering emotional intimacy and how different communication styles can impact satisfaction. Delve into the challenges of understanding individual strengths and the importance of acceptance in emotional communication. Gain insights on personal growth and the value of therapy in fulfilling unmet emotional needs.
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INSIGHT

Verbal Agility vs. Words of Affirmation

  • Women often desire a verbally agile partner, not just words of affirmation.
  • Verbal agility can be a proxy for intelligence, which is highly valued by women in partners.
ADVICE

Honest Communication

  • Stop gaslighting your partner about words of affirmation if the real issue is their lack of verbal ability.
  • Be honest about what you want: a partner who is naturally good with words, not just one who performs affirmations.
ANECDOTE

Statistics Struggle

  • Dr. Whiten shares a story about struggling with statistics in graduate school despite intense effort.
  • This illustrates how some skills, like verbal ability, are difficult to significantly improve, even with dedication.
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