This Valentine’s Day, Love is Love

We see it everywhere: “Love Is Love”. It’s on billboards, it’s on t-shirts, it’s even on Valentine’s themed coffee mugs at Target! The trendy phrase has become so popular, it’s begun to lose it’s real meaning. In 2022, “Love Is Love” has begun to sound a little bit like “water is wet”. It’s as if we’re constantly stating the obvious but there’s no real meaning behind it. In times when we’re going through a worldwide pandemic, increasing political polarization, and social media addiction, we need to remember the meaning of “Love Is Love”.

What Does “Love Is Love” Mean?

When we say, “Love Is Love” it might sound like we’re simply stating the obvious. Yes, definitively, love is indeed love. But that’s not what we mean when we tell others that love is love. What we mean to say is that, no matter who you are, no matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, when you love someone, it’s almost always a pretty darn good thing. When you have deep feelings of admiration, warmth, care, and affection for another human being, it doesn’t matter who you are or who they are. The love you feel for the people you love is a positive force and, by loving the people you love, you’re putting positivity into a very dark world. So, when we remind others that love is love, we’re reminding them that we’re thankful that others are putting more positivity into our surroundings.

Love Is a Feeling

In short, love means an intense feeling of affection for another person. Affection can be romantic, or it can be platonic. Usually, love inspires us to see the best in the people we love, and forgive the worst in the people we love. In happy relationships, romantic and platonic, research has shown that both parties are more likely to overlook their loved one’s faults and focus on their good qualities. However, being in love does not mean that you accept bad behavior, or allow others to treat you poorly. When two people love each other, they are both genuinely remorseful when mistakes are made, and they are ready to forgive when their loved one is sorry. In the most simple terms, to love someone is to always see the best in them.

Love Is an Action 

But love isn’t just a feeling; it’s also an action. Loving someone, whether you love them romantically or platonically, usually inspires you to go a little out of your way to show them you care. If you’re particularly fond of gifts, you may be inspired to show your appreciation for your loved ones with small gifts. Or, if your love language is physical touch, you may choose to show your friends and family how much you love and appreciate them with a hug. Whatever your love language is, loving another person typically inspires you to take action. Love is an empowering force: your love can help your loved ones feel supported and inspire them to keep going even when times are tough.

What If I Don’t Have Anyone to Love on Valentine’s Day

If you’re thinking you don’t have anyone to love this Valentine’s Day, think again. If you’re like most Americans, you spend 40 hours a week in an office full of other people. And, though you might think you’re allergic to other people, it wouldn’t hurt to show your co-workers–even the irritating ones–love by bringing Valentine’s treats to the office. Or, you can show your pets love with a new toy, bone, or catnip. You can show your family members love by sending them a card or giving them a call. Make plans to show your friends just how much you love them and appreciate them. This Valentine’s Day, love is love. No matter who you are, no matter who you love, take some time to put a little more positivity in this world.

It Doesn’t Have to Be a Grand Gesture

Here’s two mistakes to never make: never underestimate your ability to make another person feel small, and never underestimate your ability to brighten a person’s day. You might not think you’re all that and a can of pizza flavored pringles, but you never know who looks up to you. Furthermore, you never know what another person is going through. People don’t face the day wearing shirts proclaiming, “I’m so anxious, I don’t want to live anymore”. And, they probably wouldn’t tell you that even if you asked. If you don’t know how to spread love this Valentine’s Day, you can always start by going out of your way to show another person kindness. Even if it doesn’t seem like a grand gesture to you, love is love. And, it doesn’t matter how you’ve chosen to put more love in the world. What matters is that you’ve done something positive.