I know one of my most dominant love languages is "Words of Affirmation", and that applies to most areas of life, but especially, I think, to friendship.
I'm just home from a school trip to Ottawa with some pretty amazing friends, and I'm thanking God for the awesome people He's brought into my life. I feel like I learned more about my friends on this trip, found more in common, and had some really great conversations about some really important topics. I'm thankful for the chances we had to exchange words of affirmation with each other—nothing gushy or over-the-top, but simple, sincere encouragements.
I think that is so important in a friendship, regardless of what your love language is. At some point, don't we all want to know if we're doing a decent job as a friend? For myself, I sometimes need a little affirmation to counter my own self-deprecating nature; when I'm wondering why anyone is friends with me at all, these God-hugs are a reminder of the amazing relationships God has put me in, and the value we have to each other. And, on the flip side, discussing our friendships is a good way to find out if there's anything in need of some adjustment!
I have been blessed with a special group of friends, both at school and at church, and I'm glad for this reminder of how important it is to let them know just that. Every once in a while we all want to hear that our friendship means something to someone, so take advantage of your God-sent opportunities to "Encourage one another and build each other up" [1 Thessalonians 5:11].
After all, what are friends for?