Can we do this with words of affirmation?
In John Gottman‘s book, his chapter on Principle #3 (Turn toward each other instead of away), he has an exercise called the “Emotional Bank Account” where he suggests a ledger to keep track of your interactions with your spouse. He suggests making entries for deposits (when we “turn toward” our spouse) and withdrawals (when we screw up).
My question today is: “Can this work for Words of Affirmation?”
What if you kept a daily ledger of the positive words of affirmation you used? What if you kept track of when you screwed up and were critical or missed an opportunity to be verbally affirming? Do you think that would drive you to get the account “back in the black?”
What do you think? Would this help keep you on track? I’m thinking of trying it!