5 Simple Ways to Show Your Love This February 

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With busy schedules, hectic routines, and hefty responsibilities taking up most of your day, when was the last time you slowed down and did something intentional to show a loved one how you feel about them? If you’re having trouble remembering because it’s been so long, don’t sweat it. February, the month of love, is the perfect time to practice this skill and incorporate it into your routine. But where do you start?

Showing your love doesn’t have to come in the form of a sappy confession—unless that’s your style. Just like there are many love languages, there are many ways to show you care. Everyone’s style of showing love will be a bit different. In this blog, we’ll give a recap of the five love languages to help you find your style, and present five simple ways to show love. Take your pick from the list, or try them all!

What are the five love languages?

The five love languages, conceived by Gary Chapman, PhD, describe the five different ways people prefer to give and receive love. They consist of acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, and gift giving. By understanding each of the love languages, which fit your style, and which your loved ones prefer, you can make a better guess at the best ways to show your love to them. 

• Acts of service entail doing things for someone to show your love. For example, someone with the “acts of service” love language feels loved when someone does the dishes for them.  

• Physical touch entails expressing love through physical contact. For example, someone with the “physical touch” love language feels loved when someone holds their hand.  

• Words of affirmation entail giving verbal praise, appreciation, or affection. For example, someone with the “words of affirmation” love language feels loved when someone tells them, “I care about you.” 

• Quality time entails showing love through undivided attention and ample time. For example, someone with the “quality time” love language feels loved when someone takes a few hours out of their day to hang out with them. 
• Gift giving entails showing love through thoughtful items. For example, someone with the “gift giving” love language feels loved when someone buys them their favorite candy. 

What is your love language? If you are unsure, take the online test! Take the time to ask your loved ones what their love language is, as well. This can provide better insight into how to show them you care. 

What are some simple ways to show your love? 

There are hundreds of ways to show someone you love them, ranging from small gestures to grand acts. Today, we are focusing on the small gestures. Some ideas include: 

• Be the most active listener. Sure, active listening should be a skill we all practice daily, but really committing to active listening can show someone how much you care about them. Put down whatever you are doing just to ask them about their day, what they’ve been interested in recently, or what they thought of a recent movie. Show your interest by maintaining eye contact and asking reflective questions. If they ever need emotional support, be present and nonjudgmental. These actions reinforce to the other person that you view them as important and worth your undivided attention. 

• Plan a fun day out/date for the two of you. This outing doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be a dinner date at their favorite restaurant, a walk in a park they enjoy, or even a redo of a date they enjoyed in the past. What is most important is that you spend a day together. 

• Give them a thoughtful homemade gift. Receiving a store-bought gift can be great, but there’s always something special about knowing someone took time out of their day to handcraft a gift. Whether it’s a hand-drawn greeting card, a bouquet picked from your garden, or a beaded bracelet, it will show that you think they’re worth your time and effort. 

• Make them their favorite meal or dessert. Who doesn’t like homemade food? Surprising your person with their favorite food is a wonderful way to make them smile. Not only will they get to enjoy eating it, but they’ll also know you pay attention to their likes and dislikes. 
• Give a spontaneous hug. There’s nothing better than a warm, sincere hug from someone you love. Even the simplest act, like a hand squeeze, can show someone you love having them in your life. 

Based on these ideas, ask yourself which your loved one would likely enjoy the most. If you’re unsure, you can always try them all! 

What about self-love? 

Remember to also show love to yourself during this time. Self-love is an important part of self-care, and we can’t fully love others if we don’t love ourselves first. Here are five more simple ways to show yourself some love!

• Eat a balanced meal. By providing your body with the nutrients it needs to flourish, you are showing it love. Balanced meals can be delicious, too. Opt for one that is healthy and fulfills your cravings. 

• Give yourself some compliments. This takes no time and can boost your mood tremendously (The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, 2021). Reflect on some things you’ve been doing well lately or aspects of yourself that you admire. Look in the mirror and say these compliments out loud. 

• Allow yourself “me time.” We often fill our schedules with so many responsibilities that we lack enough time to relax and do things we enjoy. Schedule some time at the end of the day to truly rest, whether that means taking a bath, watching your favorite television show, or going to sleep early. 

• Take care of your body. Exercising, staying hygienic, and getting enough sleep show yourself that you are worth taking care of. This boosts your sense of self-love. 
• Practice a hobby. Do something you enjoy, even if it’s not “productive.” If it makes you happy, that’s all that matters!

Hopefully, you’ve added some ideas to your list on how to show love to others and yourself. Remember, the ideas are endless. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm and add to your list whenever you have a new idea. Happy February—go show some love!

To discuss how therapy could help you during this season of your life, please contact me or schedule your free 15-minute consultation.

References: 

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research. (2021). The psychology of compliments: A nice word goes a long way. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202109/the-psychology-compliments-nice-word-goes-long-way

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