How would you define “Love”?
Passion, Affection, Tennis Score, Sex, Companionship, Emotion?

Here’s a poetic definition:

“Love is such a funny thing.

It’s shaped just like a lizard.

It wraps itself around your heart

And nibbles on your gizzard.”

That certainly defines love as a feeling.  But it’s much more. Although there are many kinds of love—love for a woman or a man; for a parent or a child; for a friend or a teacher—all have similar qualities.  This February let’s consider how we can show our love to those we care about.

Be a Servant
Love delights in serving others—doing little acts of kindness without being asked. Love is more concerned about enriching the life of another person than it is in gaining the advantage or improving one’s own life.

Be Considerate
Be considerate of the needs and wants of a partner, parent, child, or friend; love is more anxious to give than to receive.  Be sensitive to a person’s feelings and moods.  Be a good listener.

Forgive quickly
Forgiveness means to overlook the faults of others; to hold no grudges. Extend compassion and kindness when you have been wronged or offended—even if someone has not said, “I’m sorry.”  Be quick to mend broken relationships.

Show Appreciation
Make a list of things you appreciate in your spouse, child, or friend and then express them verbally.

Encourage Others
Be a builder of people. Encourage others by your words and deeds, lifting their spirits, cheering those in despair.

Show Respect
Avoid belittling or ridiculing one another with hurtful, destructive words or insulting remarks.  Don’t let today’s TV sitcoms become a pattern for your life.

Here is some helpful advice in a poem titled, “Love,” often attributed to the poet Roy Croft.

I love you for the part of me that you bring out;

I love you for putting your hand

into my heaped up heart and

passing over all the foolish, weak things

you can’t help dimly seeing there.

I love you because you are helping me

to make of the lumber of my life,

not a tavern but a temple;

Out of the words of my every day—

not a reproach, but a song.

Let’s build others up, strengthen their self-confidence, and support them in all their dreams and endeavors.

Remember: Love is an action verb.

About the Author: Mary E. Erickson is Todd Smith’s aunt and has edited every post on this blog and in his book. Almost everything Todd has learned about written communications can be attributable to his aunt.  Todd Smith is a successful entrepreneur of 32 years and founder of Little Things Matter. To receive Todd’s lessons, subscribe here.

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