The Business of Love
I think it is safe to say that I am in the Love Business. I do a lot of weddings, but even bar/bat mitzvahs or celebrations are about someone loving someone. I watch people commit to each other and tell the world how much they love a person, and it makes me cry almost all the time, even after nearly 20 years. It is pretty great and often pretty crazy. Inevitably it makes me think about how much I love my husband, my family, my friends and my dog and then I wonder if they know how much I love them. The party then goes on and I solve the issues that arise, keep everyone on track and come home exhausted and forget that moment of reflection as another event goes down in history. It isn’t typically until the next wedding moment that I remember, “oh crap, I meant to call xxx or email yyy or text zzz that funny picture!” So, this got me thinking about how do we let those we love know that we love/think about them more often? And with Valentine’s Day approaching, many feel the pressure for grand gestures, but doesn’t it mean more when you least expect it?
My husband is the king of this. He is rarely romantic when he “should” be. Anniversaries, birthdays, and even our proposal was not what you see in the movies, but I love how he tells me he cares. I will get flowers on a Tuesday, or an adorable text randomly during the day. A note written on the pizza box for when I come home late from an event or even the ever-romantic scratch off ticket because he knows I love to think I might win big. Isn’t that what really matters? Letting the important people in your life know they matter and are loved on days that do not have a card associated with them or a display at the drug store. This type of behavior is hard if you are not wired that way, so here are a few ideas. These can be for a loved one, friend, coworker, spouse, boyfriend, whomever is important to you. Do NOT assume they know how much you care about them…everyone likes to be reminded….everyone.
How much I love/care/appreciate you:
Sunday: while you are on Amazon, send something small and fun to someone
Monday: One line text wishing someone a good day
Tuesday: Phone call (yes, speak to a human) for no reason, just to say hello! Important that this is NOT scheduled and if they do not pick up, leave a loving message!
Wednesday: Email someone who does not pop-up in your auto-populate (which means you haven’t emailed them in a very long time)
Thursday: Get a $5 gift card and leave it on a coworker’s desk
Friday: Post-it note to someone you live or work with wishing them a great weekend
Saturday: Stop by and bring something (small bouquet, cookies, hot coffee, etc.) to a friend. Remember how you didn’t used to call before you went over someone house? Try it!
These may seem obvious (or even nuts), but a little discipline and love will go a long way towards a kinder more loving life.
By the way, thank you for taking the time to read this as I know you are busy and have lots of things you could be reading/doing instead of this. I hope it brought a smile to your face and I bet you have a great smile!
