For More Than Just Romance
Valentine’s Day. For some, it’s a time of romantic dinners, flowers, and handwritten love notes. But for others, it’s a day that can feel lonely, disappointing, or even unnecessary. If you’re not in a relationship, it might seem like a holiday meant for someone else—something to ignore or just get through.
But what if Valentine’s Day wasn’t just about romance? What if, instead, we saw it as an opportunity to spread love to everyone we encounter—friends, family, people from our past, and even strangers?
In a world where so many feel unseen or unappreciated, love is needed now more than ever. And the good news? You don’t need to be married or in a romantic relationship to give or receive it.
This year, let’s rethink Valentine’s Day. Let’s turn it into a weekend of intentional love—where we make the world a little brighter, one small act at a time. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, you have the power to make a difference in someone’s day.
Why Our World Needs More Love
Let’s be honest—there’s a lot of division, unkindness, and even outright hostility in the world right now. Scroll through the news or social media for just a few minutes, and you’ll see arguments, criticism, and people talking past each other instead of listening. It’s easy to feel discouraged, to wonder if kindness and connection are becoming rare.
But here’s the thing: Love hasn’t disappeared. It’s still here, in everyday moments—the stranger who holds the door open, the friend who sends a “just thinking of you” text, the teacher who goes the extra mile to encourage a struggling student. Love is still present—we just have to be intentional about spreading it.
That’s why expanding Valentine’s Day beyond romantic love matters. What if we used this weekend as an opportunity to counteract the negativity we see? To choose kindness over cynicism, connection over isolation, and love over indifference?
A simple act of love, no matter how small, can be a ripple effect of goodness. And when more of us choose to spread love intentionally, it shifts the atmosphere around us.
So, let’s take this Valentine’s Day weekend and turn it into something bigger—a chance to be the kind of love the world so desperately needs. 💛
Extending Valentine’s Beyond One Day & “The One”
A single day is hardly enough to celebrate love in all its forms. Instead of limiting Valentine’s Day to one evening or one person, what if we turned it into a whole weekend of intentional love? Not just for our partners or close friends, but also for those who shaped us—the people from our past who left a mark on our lives.
Think about the teachers, mentors, neighbors, or old friends who encouraged you when you needed it most. Maybe it was a childhood piano teacher who saw your potential, a college professor who believed in you, or a boss who gave you a chance when no one else would. There have been several of these examples who I’ve tracked down and reached out to over the years, and all of them were received with open arms and a grateful hearts. I was surprised that these people all remembered me (even decades later!) and it was as enjoyable for me sharing the memories and gratitude as it was for them to hear it.
Love isn’t just about romance—it’s about acknowledging the people who helped us become who we are today. Taking a moment to express gratitude not only brightens their day, but it deepens our own sense of love and connection.
Ideas for Everyday Love in Action:
Thankfully kindness costs us nothing, and isn’t difficult to express. Here are just a handful of ideas to get you started:
💛 Genuine Compliments and appreciation – Tell the barista how much you love their energy. Send a note to a mentor from your past or create a tag them in a social media post, sharing what a difference they made.
💛 Unhurried Conversations – Take an extra moment to ask, “How’s your day going?”—and really listen to the answer. Shoot a text to a friend to let them know you’re thinking of them and check in on what’s going on in their life.
💛 Unexpected Generosity – Leave a generous tip. Pay for the person behind you in line. Bring coffee to a coworker who could use a pick-me-up.
💛 Handwritten Notes – A simple sticky note on a colleague’s desk or a funny note on that coffee you bring them…the little gestures can make a bigger impact than we realize.
💛 Eye Contact & Smiles – It sounds so small, but in a world where many feel unseen, simply acknowledging someone with warmth can be a powerful. And when we go beyond just flashing a smile, but sharing a genuine smile (that goes all the way t your eyes) people feel connection and truly seen.
Love isn’t just about grand gestures or carefully planned surprises. Sometimes, the smallest moments—a kind word, a warm smile, an unexpected act of generosity—can create ripples far beyond what we see. We increase the chance that those we impact will go on to impact those who they come into contact with as well…and on and on.
Imagine if, just for this weekend, we made it our goal to actively spread love everywhere we go. Not in dramatic ways, but in simple, intentional moments that remind people that they matter.
Carrying the Spirit of Love Beyond the Weekend
Valentine’s Day weekend may come and go, but the opportunity to spread love doesn’t’ need to be limited to February 14th. Imagine what our communities, families, and friendships would look like if we made loving others a daily habit rather than a once-a-year occasion. The kindness you show this weekend—whether through heartfelt messages, small acts of generosity, or simply offering a warm smile—has the potential to ripple out in ways you may never see.
But why stop at just one weekend? What if we made a habit of appreciating the people in our lives, reaching out to those who have shaped us, and extending kindness to strangers as part of our daily lives? Love isn’t confined to a holiday—it’s a mindset, a way of living, and a reflection of who we are.
Your Next Step
Here’s one last Valentine’s gift—imagine I’ve tucked it into a little heart-shaped box just for you. (Sorry that I couldn’t include some chocolate too!) It’s impossible to give love to others without feeling it yourself. Love is a two-way street, and the more you share it, the more loving you become in the process.
Maybe this weekend will be the spark you need to keep the love flowing beyond Valentine’s Day and weekend. The world is full of people who need a little extra kindness, and your intentional acts can create ripples that continue long after the holiday has passed. So, let’s make it a habit to choose love every day—not just for the ones we hold dear, but for everyone we encounter. Drop me a note and share what you’re putting into practice today and beyond!