By: Kaya Langdon
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s important to remember that while getting chocolate boxes, roses, and bundles of heart-shaped things is wonderful, it isn’t a day about romantic love for everyone. Valentine’s Day is a reminder to spread kindness and compassion to everyone regardless; no strings attached! So, yes, while it does stand to emphasize romantic gestures, let’s not forget about the simple acts that can make significant differences in somebody’s day.
We’ll start off as simple as you can get: compliments. It’s no surprise; people love compliments. So there’s no better way to spread positivity and love to people around you by taking the time to notice someone in a small way, whether it’s admiring their outfit or acknowledging the work they do. Kind words have much bigger of an impact than we think, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to lift someone’s spirits in a simple way.
However, compliments can be a bit basic. Not that there’s anything wrong with being basic—but on an occasion as special as Valentine’s, perhaps it’s better to add more personalization. Why not write thank-you notes? Yes, texts can be a very sweet way to show someone you care, but it’s shown that most people prefer getting letters from others. Letters are a simple way to show love for family, friends—or anyone, really, and they can be decorated and adorned as you please.
Not everybody prefers written words, however, and certainly not everyone enjoys writing them. If you’re one of those people, it might be better to instead try some simple actions. Random acts of kindness are always talked about, but it seems that they’re more of an idea than the action that they should be, especially today. It’s easy to brighten a day just through the small things, like holding open a door or helping someone carry an object. They seem insignificant, but there will always be people who appreciate it beyond measure.
Donating to a local charity is another simple way to spread love in a way that is close to your heart and impactful for many people. Whether it’s donating food, contributing to fundraisers, or volunteering at a non-profit, these small amounts of time that you give can have a big impact, both in individual lives and entire communities’.
But arguably the most important thing to do is to reach out to your loved ones and just tell them that you care. Valentine’s Day isn’t solely for romantic partners; it’s all about community and love. Take time to cherish the people in your life, even if it’s been a while since you’ve connected. It’s the best way to share love on a special day like this.
