“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”
Hugh Grant, Love Actually
Valentine’s Day often comes wrapped in red roses, chocolates, and grand gestures. But if you take a step back, you’ll see that love is actually something much simpler – and far more powerful. It’s in the quiet moments we take for granted – the everyday kindness, the way we show up. It’s in the breathtaking bear hug that makes you feel safe, the soft, gentle embrace that whispers, I see you, I’m here, and I care. It’s in the deep listening that makes someone feel truly seen. Because love is what we give of ourselves.
Love without expectation
Love doesn’t always have to result in something more. It does not have to be a date, a phone call, or dinner. Love sometimes simply exists in a moment. Shared and appreciated for what it is. One of the most unforgettable moments in Love Actually is when Mark stands at Juliet’s door, silently expressing his love through a series of handwritten cue cards. He knows his love is unreciprocated, but still, he chooses to honour it. As he walks away, he tells himself:
“Enough. Enough now.”
It’s a moment of love expressed without expectation – not to change anything, but simply to say I see you, I care for you, and then to let go.
A love letter to life
Love isn’t just about romance. It’s in how we choose to live our lives, how we love ourselves, the friendships we treasure, and the family who fills our hearts. It’s in a heartfelt conversation with a best friend, listening to a favourite song, or familiarity with watching your favourite movie over again.
And sometimes, love is best expressed in the simplest ways:
- Listening. Not to respond, not to fix – just to hear someone.
- Touching. A warm hug, a squeeze of the hand, a reassuring pat on the back.
- Showing up. Being present, being there, making someone feel valued simply by giving them your time.
Rediscovering romance
It’s easy to take love for granted. Maybe you’ve loved and lost. Maybe you’re in a relationship where love has settled into quiet familiarity. Or maybe you’re still searching for a new connection. Wherever you find yourself, never give up on love. Romance does not have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as being brave enough to speak to someone new, taking a morning walk with someone you love, sharing a cup of coffee, or listening – really listening – even if you’ve heard the story before.
This year, I’ve set an intention to practice random acts of kindness, spreading love in small, unexpected ways. Maybe you’d like to join me? It could be as simple as leaving a note for someone, paying a compliment, or calling an old friend just to check in.
Because, at the end of the day, love is about reminding people that they are loved.
