I think it’s safe to say that loving someone, and being loved back is one of the nicest feelings that a human can feel. This goes way beyond being in a relationship with someone, too. Sharing that feeling is a special type of joy, whether it is with our parents, siblings, friends, pets, neighbors, and even the random but meaningful relationships we have with the people in our community. Maybe it’s the woman who bags your groceries at the store every time you go who always asks about how you’re doing. Or maybe it’s the girl that lives next to you that over time has become easily one of the most important faces to see in the morning on your way out for classes. Maybe it’s the boy you sit next to in the most boring class that always makes sarcastic comments and makes you laugh.
Regardless of who it is, they are special to you for a reason. And showing someone who is special to you that you love them, is always a kind thing to do. We have so much love in our hearts and, as humans, we have so much love to give.
1. Show up.
Showing up to show your support is one of the best ways to show someone you love them. If your friend has an art show coming up, go! A basketball game? Go! Support what your friends do and show up to it. They’ll appreciate it more than you can imagine.
2. “This made me think of you.”
Being reminded from someone you care about deeply that they think of you randomly throughout the day is such a nice way to show you care. If you see something online that you know your BFF would have a good laugh at, tag them! See some unique and creative artwork on a building? Snap a pic and send it to your art-loving friend! The gesture is small but it shows love.
3. Say thank you, and tell them how much you appreciate them.
Sometimes even on our most free days, we can forget to take the time to show gratitude where it counts. Saying ‘thank you’ is one of the most simple ways of showing gratitude. You can never get tired of being told that someone is thankful for you.
4. Pick up something thoughtful that shows you’re paying attention!
This act of love shows two things: that you pay attention to your conversations, and that you want to make their life easier. If your roommate told you a couple days ago they were out of shampoo and you know what kind they want, go grab it for them. When your friend subconsciously tells you how much they want a specific book, surprise them with it. They won’t expect it, and they will be SO thankful.
5. “I’m at Dunkin, what do you want?”
This text from my friends means the absolute world to me. And I know it means the world to my friends also. A simple, “hey I’m at Dunkin, what’s your order?” can mean the most on a bad day.
6. Ask how their day was, and listen!
One of the best things to do to show someone you love them is to listen to them. It all comes down to practicing active listening. I know you heard them, but did you understand? Showing that even with a busy day like yours that you care and chose to make this relationship a priority matters a lot.
7. Write small notes.
One thing I love to do for my friends is writing little notes to them. Whether it is on the margins of their notebooks, the whiteboard when nobody else is in the room, a sticky note, or even passing notes. It’s more meaningful than text messages and shows how much you care.
8. Ask, “What can I do to help you today?”
If someone you care about is struggling or having a hard day/week, offer your help as best as you can. Things even as simple as switching their load to the dryer so they can catch up on homework or if you’re already planning to go to the store, ask if you can pick something up for them.
9. Squeeze their hand and say, “thank you.”
Something widely underrated is the act of physical intimacy. The simplest gestures such as holding hands or a hugging while thanking someone after they did something for you is a really nice way to show that you appreciate them. Holding hands when under stress or anxiety is a way of saying “I love you and I’m here for you” when the actual words aren’t enough.
10. “I love you.”
Saying the actual words is meaningful in and of itself. Sometimes, all someone needs to hear is the actual words. Actions show a lot, but sometimes the words ‘I love you’ are what is needed to hear.
But, when words don’t get the job done, it helps to be able to show through actions that you love and appreciate them. I hope this list helps you show your mom, your sister, your dog, or your significant other, just how much they mean to you.