Old Happy: I should save my love until I find the right person.
New Happy: I should share my love with every person that I meet.
Imagine having someone in your life who loves you for all that you are. This person accepts and embraces every part of you. They show you the best of you and encourage you to nurture it. They celebrate your wins, they sit with you in your challenges, and they remind you that you're never alone.
Now, remember this: you can be this person for someone. That's how powerful your love is. This isn't something that has to be confined to a romantic relationship, either; you can share your love with all of the people in your life. Sometimes, we think that we have to save our love; in reality, we need to share it, for that's what helps us and the people around us to feel joyful. Real love is something you don't run out of.
It's surprisingly simple to get started on sharing your love. As you can see from the community responses below, what makes people feel loved in this way is usually the little things. This is backed up by research. One 2020 study found that these small, everyday experiences of love are connected to higher well-being — the more moments of love received, the happier they were.
This weekend, sit down with someone who matters to you and as, "What do you need right now?"
Listen to what they say. Then, use your creativity, care, and compassion to fulfill that need.
For example:
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“I need a break.” — Give them the night off from parenting, surprise them with a trip to your favorite restaurant, or take on one of their regular responsibilities.
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"I need appreciation.” — Find five ways to compliment them over the next few days.
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“I need to connect.” — Ask them how they are feeling, go for a walk and talk, or do something new and fun together.
When you love someone for all that they are, you also help them to become all they can be.