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7 Helpful Ways to Show Someone You Love Them

Love is more than just three simple words. You can see it everyday – from the man walking his beloved pup down the street, to the woman helping her neighbor carry her groceries in from the car. It can be portrayed through words, actions, acts of services, and even the smallest of gestures.

When someone you love is going through a difficult time, they are in need of your love and support more than ever. But how do you show someone you love them? We turned to the CaringBridge community for some helpful insight and their best tips.

1. Write Them a Letter

Whether it’s to thank them for being in your life, or a note that tells them just how much you love them, your letter becomes a keepsake that they can cherish forever. Whenever they find themselves in hard times, they can look back on your letter with fondness.

“I send a handwritten letter followed by a phone call if we are far apart. If we live close to each other, lunch, or just coffee, a hug, and lots of listening!”

Sandra L.

2. Do Something Thoughtful

If you live near your loved one, try doing something that you know they would appreciate. Help them tidy their home, invite them over for a coffee and a board game, or help them maintain their garden. Sometimes it’s the smaller, more thoughtful actions that have the greatest impact.

Even if you live far away, you can still do something for your loved one that they would appreciate. Send them a care package with their favorite treats!

“Here are some things I did when my sister was fighting breast cancer. She lived 8 hours away so I couldn’t just drop by or cook her a meal. I hired someone to clean her house – I contacted a friend of hers to find someone in the area that would clean the house. I sent a care package – in early December I put together a box of Christmas treats and mailed it to her – cookies, candies, coffee mug, flavored teas, candle, cute kitchen towels, whatever. She especially loved the cookies and candy. She didn’t have enough energy to do any baking but this way she still had some homemade goodies to share with friends who dropped by. And she was thoughtful too. When my daughter was sick she sent her a box of sunshine – all sorts of yellow items – nail polish, lip balm, post-it’s, peanut M&Ms. Another cute long distance one was my niece had her kids lie on a roll of paper and spread their arms out.She traced around their arms and cut it out then mailed it to my sister saying they were hugs to wrap around her.”

Mary W.C.

3. Tell Them You Love Them

This one seems obvious, but sometimes, all your loved one needs is for you to tell them that you love them and are there to support them. These words are a reassurance that you are there for them and will always be a shoulder they can lean on.

A quick communication tip: beginning or ending your sentences with the word “you” really highlights the focus on the person you are speaking to. “I love you,” “You mean so much to me” and “I appreciate you,” are all simple, but impactful ways to show someone that you care.

“Everyone who comes into your life is sent there for a reason; sometimes you just need to listen or say ‘I love you.'”

Jean K.

“Tell them…call and express to them in words. SAY IT. Tell them they are appreciated, loved, and say thank you for being in my life. I did this once to an adult and it blew my mind.. the adult had said that they had never been told in words that they were loved and appreciated.”

Gail G.

4. Listen to Them

Sometimes showing someone you love them can be as simple as lending a listening ear. People that are going through difficult times often bottle up emotions for fear of being a burden to everyone else. Ask them how they are feeling, and really pay attention to their answer.

Open your mind, your ears and your heart in order to make the other person the sole focus of your attention – it will show them that you are there to support them, no matter how difficult things may become.

“Be there for them, listen intently and assist them in whatever they want/need … along with loving them!”

Rik D.

“Be willing to LISTEN to anything they want to talk about — without interrupting with your own stories. Keep the focus on that person!”

Bobby X.

5. Spend Quality Time Together

Go for a walk or spend the afternoon watching their favorite movie to help them feel present in the moment. This small gesture has the power to show someone that you love them, even without saying a word.

6. Cook Them Their Favorite Meal

Cooking for someone is a beautiful way to show them that you love them. Take the time to cook them their favorite meal, especially when maybe they are unable to or don’t feel up to cooking for themselves.

The act of cooking for someone shows care, comfort and sustenance. Whether you cook dinner and spend quality time eating a meal together or you drop off a lasagna for later in the week, the gesture is always sure to be appreciated.

And don’t forget about gift cards. Your loved one may have a craving for a dish from their favorite restaurant, so a gift card might be just the treat they need.

7. Give Them a Hug

If someone you love is going through a difficult time, sometimes the best way to show them you love them is to offer the physical comfort of a hug. This simple gesture could be an opportunity to lift them up and to show them that they matter.

“HUGS, HUGS and more HUGS!”

Sandy D.-Y.

How Else Do You Share the Love?

We hope these tips from the CaringBridge community have offered some helpful guidance on how to share the love.

What other tips do you have to show love, or how do you like to receive it? Please share in the comments below.