Love
Love Is a Verb; Don’t Think Otherwise
Don’t Just Tell — Show
Love is a verb. Telling someone you love them is one thing, but showing it is another. As cliché as it sounds, actions do speak louder than words.
People can talk all they want, but words are meaningless without actions backing them up. The older we get, the more we believe in this timeless philosophy.
Many people say that love is a feeling. Anything less than falling head over heels isn’t going to cut it. If you question your feelings, then the love isn’t there. Do you see where I’m getting at?
The thing is, love isn’t just butterflies. They fly away at some point, leaving you to deal with sustaining a relationship. Don’t let movies fool you otherwise.
It’s More Than a Feeling
(*cue the Boston song*)
In all seriousness, love doesn’t stop at heart-fluttering and stomach-turning moments. The other half of that equation requires tangible acts to make it work.
As we all know, verbs denote action. And going by that logic, love goes beyond declarations. It isn’t just about what and how it makes you feel.
How do I know if we truly love each other?
You’ll know what you have is real when you acknowledge the work that needs to be done. Love is real and true when you do your part — even on bad and ugly days. It doesn’t (and shouldn’t) stop when times are hard.
Let’s say you and your partner have been together for a while. Your days have mostly been good. But you’ve encountered some bumps along the road, and you don’t always feel lovey-dovey whenever you’re together.
But even when the fireworks have since dissipated, the pull that first drew you to each other is still there. Why? You continue to show up for one another, regardless of circumstances and feelings.
In this case, is love a verb? Absolutely. It takes effort and points to you acting on your emotions.
Love Beyond I Love You’s
Commitments like relationships don’t have punch cards or timekeepers. But you should still show up every day anyway.
This is where being intentional comes in. Leading busy lives is valid. But that isn’t (and shouldn’t be) an excuse to do the bare minimum. Setting aside a few minutes of your day for some much-needed quality time is a good start. Make it even better by adding it to your routine.
It’s easy to take each other for granted. You’re so used to being in each other’s corner that you might sometimes forget your partner’s even there. That isn’t a justification; it’s an observation, especially common in couples who barely have time together.
But here’s the thing: neither of you has to do anything for the other. Magnify the appreciation by recognizing the little things they do whenever possible. Send an even clearer message by doing that in their love language.
Love is a verb, present on even the worst days. It’s unfiltered and grounded because of the work couples need to put in to keep it kicking. But because of that effort, it’s real and rock-solid. You can’t get that authenticity and longevity without action.
