I learned the power of acknowledgement in my training and experience as a coach. Acknowledgement feeds people. A well-placed and heartfelt acknowledgement can get through the toughest armour. It can even melt frozen hearts. And it’s free, doesn’t cost you a thing. No matter where you’re at in your relationship, you have endless opportunities to acknowledge a positive quality in your woman. Please start acting on these opportunities today!

I want to clarify - Acknowledgement is different from Praise. Acknowledgement directly names the core qualities that you see in someone. It speaks to a person’s BE-ing. Praise tends to be more about a person’s DO-ing.

ie: 
“You are wise,” is an acknowledgement. 
“You made a really wise choice,” is praise.

Both are valuable. Praise might be easier to give, but acknowledgement can be so much more powerful. If giving acknowledgements is challenging for you, know that it gets easier with practice. And know this - the more that you acknowledge the qualities that you appreciate in your woman, the more they grow. 

So here are the 5 ingredients for success:

1. Authenticity. 
Your heart must be in it. If you’re not feeling it, don’t say it - it’ll sound lame. (This doesn’t mean it has to be ALL you’re feeling). Get in touch with the TRUTH of your acknowledgement before you deliver it. Never fake it. This isn’t about sucking up or trying to guess what she wants to hear. It’s about cutting through your own noise and bullshit, seeing something amazing or beautiful in the woman that you’re with, and naming it, with courage if that’s what it takes.

2. Brevity. 
Keep it short and sweet. The best acknowledgements are generally three to five words: “You are —.” Say it, then wait. Don’t fill the gap! Let her digest it. Keep eye contact. Feel into the energy of the moment. 

3. Healthy Detachment.
She may blow it off. She may melt. Mean it, say it  - then immediately let go of the outcome. Saying these words is as much for your benefit as hearing them is for hers.

4. Timing.
Life is full of poignant and powerful moments. Use them. An acknowledgement delivered after the fact loses its impact. Its power is in the now.

5. Focus.
Make it about Her. Powerful acknowledgements honour the person being acknowledged. Stick to the “You are —” format. ”You are a good mom” is a lot different than “I think you’re a good mom.”

Here are some sample acknowledgements:
“You are beautiful.”
“You are wise.”
“You are very loving.”
“You’re smart.”
“You’re really fun.”
“You’re radiant.”
“You’re resourceful.”
“You are inspiring.”
“You are strong.”