We all want to feel seen and valued. At our core, we long to know that we matter—that our actions, presence, and efforts are recognized by others. One of the most powerful ways to meet this need is through the skill of affirming others: recognizing people for their contributions, character, or efforts in a sincere and specific way.

Affirming others isn’t just about being nice. Done well, it can uplift a person’s sense of worth, boost motivation, and reinforce positive behavior. A few well-chose...