A Simple Approach to Living With Less

Simply Love

There are few things as basic and simple in design as love. It doesn’t need explanation and it doesn’t need much fanfare. Love has some awesome qualities all by itself.

  • Love is a foundation to build our lives on.
  • Love is committed even when our feelings fail us.
  • Love is flexible and forgiving when we mess up.
  • Love is motivational and encourages us to be better.
  • Love is unexplainable and cannot be contained.

Simple Expressions of Love

We don’t have to go over the top when we celebrate our love for one another. We don’t need to go out to an expensive dinner or buy expensive gifts to let those in our lives know how much they are loved. If you are looking for some simple ways to tell someone that you love them, here are some ideas to get you started.

Tell Them. Although they say, “Actions speak louder than words” . . . words are pretty powerful too. It’s still important to tell someone how much you love them. Words left unspoken can cause enormous pain.

Touch Them. A soothing touch, a tender kiss, or a relaxing massage. The sense of touch is incredibly powerful for creating an intimate connection.

Praise Them. Sincere words of affirmation and encouragement do wonders to boost someone’s self-esteem and make them feel loved. Thank your loved one for all their hard work and for the qualities that you fell in love with.

Serve Them. Taking time out to clean the house or fixing the leaky faucet you’ve been avoiding shows that you care in a very tangible and practical way.

Feed Them. Instead of going out to dinner, consider staying in and cooking something special. Pull out a fancy recipe (or even get take out) and break out the candles. Make eating-in a favorite memory.

Write Them. Love notes are a classic expression of emotion. They don’t have to be fancy poems. Just speaking from the heart or sharing a special memory is a great way to show your love.

Create for Them. Handmade gifts are the most thoughtful and typically the most appreciated kind of gift. It can be something silly or something extravagant. It might be a card, some coupons, or something handcrafted with care. The personal touch is what matters the most.

Just Be With Them. Time. . .there never seems to be enough to go around. Schedule some time to simply be with the one you love and keep all the distractions away. Making someone your top priority is one of the best ways to make them feel loved.

Do you have something to add to this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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photo by theswedish

Article originally published on 02/11/2011

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