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Temple | Life

8 Ways to Express Your Love to the People You Care About

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Winta Teferi Student Contributor, Temple University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Temple chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

November marks the beginning of a season of gratitude that extends into Thanksgiving and Christmas but is something we should express at all times of the year. Expressing gratitude and appreciation to the people who mean the most to you can help strengthen your relationships and demonstrate to loved ones that you care about them. Simple acts of kindness can be a great way to brighten someone’s day. 

If you are feeling inspired by the season of gratitude and giving or just want to be the best friend/family member/partner you can be, here are 8 little ways to show love to those you care about. 

  1. Make a Playlist 

As a playlist-making fanatic, this is one of my favorite things to do. Creating a playlist for someone you love can include compiling a group of songs that remind you of them or songs that you think they would enjoy. It’s something that’s long-lasting and can always be revisited. They can listen and think, “Wow, this person really made this and thought of me the whole time,” and feel very loved by it. You could do this on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music where you can send your playlist in a text. 

  1. Compliment Them 

One of the easiest ways you can spread love is through compliments. I enjoy complimenting everything I notice and love about the people I’m close to. Try not to shy away from telling someone what you love about them. If you love how your friend did their hair that day, or admire something about their personality or actions, don’t hesitate to tell them. 

  1. Schedule Time Together 

This is especially for loved ones you don’t see often. It’s easy to get so swept up in being busy that time goes by, and you realize you haven’t spent time with someone in months. To show that you genuinely miss and want to hang out with them, pick some dates they could choose from and come up with a fun thing you could do together. They’ll be happy you reached out, and you both can look forward to a day together. 

  1. Listening 

It sounds very simple, but it can mean a lot when you give someone your full and undivided attention. It shows that you care about what they have to say. Things like asking about their day—then actually listening to them talk about it—can be a meaningful way to show you care. 

  1. Bake For Them 

This is a great option for those in your life who have a sweet tooth. Baking for someone is a thoughtful and delicious way to express love. And even if baking isn’t your thing, you can still surprise them with any one of their favorite treats. I recently told a friend I liked Almond Joys, and a few weeks later, she surprised me with one. It showed she remembered and thought about me, and I felt very appreciative. 

  1. Hugs 

When was the last time you gave someone a hug? If you’re like me, you might realize you don’t give out as many hugs as you think. Hugging is scientifically proven to boost our happiness and help us relax. It acts as a nonverbal way to communicate our affection. So, if you know your loved one isn’t opposed to physical touch, greet them with a hug the next time you see them. 

  1. “This Made Me Think of You” Messages 

Whether it’s a quote from a book or a random TikTok, sending a simple message of something that reminds you of a loved one can show not only that you’re thinking about them, but that you notice the little things that make them who they are. A message like this can make someone feel seen and valued. 

  1. Verbalize Gratitude 

Lastly, it never hurts to outwardly express your gratitude by simply saying it. Phrases like “I appreciate you,” “I’m lucky to have you,” or “I’m so happy you’re in my life” are just a few ways you can let someone know how grateful you are to have them around. 

Cherishing your relationships doesn’t have to be done through grand gestures. A little can go a long way when you want to make the people closest to you feel loved and appreciated, and there’s no better time to do that than now.

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Winta Teferi

Temple '27

Hi! I’m Winta, a Staff Writer for the Health section of Her Campus Temple. I love exploring the importance of mental and physical wellness and sharing ways to help improve both. One of my favorite forms of therapy is journaling, something I’ve been doing for years.

I’m currently a junior at Temple University, majoring in Advertising. Outside the classroom, I’m involved in Temple University Fashion & Business, UNICEF x Temple, Temple Book Club, and of course, Her Campus! These clubs allow me to pursue my interests alongside a community of people who share the same passions.

In my free time, you’ll probably find me reading, blasting One Direction on a run, or hanging out with friends. I used to love writing “silly little romance stories” as a kid, so I’m happy to return to something that once meant a lot to me, just in a new way.