Love as a Verb: 8 Everyday Acts That Show You Care

Have you ever stopped to think of love not as a fleeting feeling but as something you actively do every day? In the quiet spaces between conversation and the written word, between the gesture and the silence that follows, love emerges as an ongoing inquiry—a series of acts that document our shared human vulnerability.

When we choose to engage in acts of love, we are not simply expressing sentiment; we are, in fact, reshaping the narrative of our lives. Transforming love into an active, daily practice doesn’t require grand gestures or poetic declarations. It’s found in the unique rituals you create, the shared stories that bind you, and the adventures that make life feel extraordinary. Whether you’re deepening your connection with a partner, strengthening a friendship, or nurturing self-love, these 8 simple acts remind you that love is best lived—and celebrated—as a verb.

Pick one exercise that resonates with you. Experiment, have fun and see how a small, intentional act becomes a canvas of joy, connection, and creative self-expression. After all, in our busy lives, making room for love is the most rewarding journey of all.

8 Mini Exercises in the Practice of Love

1. Try A “Listening hour”

It sounds simple, but ‘listening’ is a superpower. To listen with intent is to engage in a radical act of care. It is to dismantle the habitual monologue of our own thoughts and to acknowledge another’s existence. When you listen with your heart, you not only hear the words but also feel the emotions behind them.

For one conversation this week, set a timer for 10 minutes where you focus solely on listening. No interruptions, no planning your response—just allow the voice of the other to guide you into uncharted territories of empathy. You might be surprised by the depth you discover!

2. Writing as an Act of Reverence

A handwritten letter, once a medium of quiet revolution, carries with it the weight of deliberate intention. The art of pen on paper speaks volumes. It shows thoughtfulness and effort— infused with your energy, your pauses, and your careful choice of words. It slows time, making space for reflection, for anticipation, and for the kind of connection that doesn’t demand an instant reply but instead lingers & deepens. In a world that prizes the ephemeral digital message, a handwritten letter becomes a testament to the fact that personal gestures can outlast the transient nature of modern communication.

Pick a day to surprise someone. It could be a gift of letters— a keepsake, tucked into the pages of a well-loved journal ready to be found when comfort, nostalgia, or love is needed most, or even as simple as a sticky note on the fridge, or a postcard in the mail. Express something you admire or simply say, “I love you for who you are.”

3. Plan a “Device-Free Day”

Spending quality time together can be as simple as turning off your devices and dedicating your full attention to the person in front of you. Challenge your partner or friend to an evening where phones, laptops, and tablets are set aside. Turn off your screens, pick an activity you both love—play board games, do a spontaneous photo session, cook a meal together or a kitchen dance-off. Focus on the here and now, and make ‘presence’ the only priority. Let conversation meander, unhurried and unfiltered. In a world wired for urgency, giving someone your undivided time is a rare and precious act of love.

4. Craft Your Signature Ritual

Imagine this: Every Sunday evening, you and your partner or friend exchange your favorite song of the week and write down one thing that made you feel truly alive. These aren’t just any generic routines; they’re personal rituals that encapsulate your shared journey and grow more meaningful with time.

Think about a simple activity that makes you smile and commit to doing it together every week. Over time, these moments become the secret language of your bond. These rituals create a sense of continuity, belonging, and emotional safety. They help you remind that no matter how chaotic life gets, there are moments reserved just for connection.

5. The Art of Forgiveness

Love isn’t just in grand gestures—it’s also in the quiet, unseen choices we make, like choosing to let go. Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending nothing happened; it means releasing resentment so it doesn’t weigh you down.

Try this: Write a forgiveness letter. Not necessarily to send, but as a way to articulate your feelings. Pour it all out—the anger, the hurt, the longing. Then, symbolically let it go. Burn it or rip it up. This exercise can be incredibly healing, both for yourself and for your relationships.

If writing is intimidating to you—create a "forgiveness doodle." Let your pen move without thinking—scribbles, lines, shapes—something that represents release. It might be chaotic, but so is healing.

Practicing forgiveness is one of the most profound ways to express love. Holding onto resentment is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go. Choosing to forgive (even if only for your own peace) lightens that load, making space for love to breathe again.

6. Collaborate on Creative Projects

There’s something magical about creating with someone you love. It’s raw, playful, and deeply bonding. When you collaborate, you’re not just making something—you’re making memories.

Pick a creative project that excites both of you. It could be as simple as compiling a photo album of your favorite moments or trying out a new recipe together or even designing a custom playlist. Allow the process to be messy, fun, and entirely yours. Creative projects let you express love in unexpected ways. Creating together nurtures teamwork, deepens emotional connection, and adds an element of playfulness to love—a reminder that love isn’t just about existing together, but building something together.

7. Self-Love as Self-Care

Here’s the thing: How you love yourself sets the tone for every other relationship in your life. If you constantly abandon your own needs, you’ll struggle to show up fully for others.

So, treat yourself the way you’d treat someone you adore. Schedule a "you" date—a solo activity that feels like a warm hug to yourself. It could be sitting in a café with your favorite book, wandering a museum alone, or creating a self-love playlist—songs that make you feel powerful, soft, joyful, invincible. Listen to it when doubt creeps in.

Self-love fuels all other forms of love. When you nurture self-love, you don’t seek external validation as a survival need. You love from a place of abundance, not lack. And that changes everything.

8. Schedule “Dream Sessions”

Whether it’s with a partner, a best friend, or even yourself, taking time to dream is a powerful act of love. Take time to reflect on your journey together and set aside a night every few months for a “Dream Session” where you and your partner can candidly talk about your individual and shared dreams. Ask:

• What excites us right now?
• What’s a crazy dream we want to chase?
• How can we support each other in making it happen?

This practice can foster a sense of unity and purpose that transcends daily challenges. Dreaming together makes space for possibilities in life, fosters emotional intimacy, and reminds you that love isn’t just about navigating life—it’s about creating a life together.

The Takeaway

Love, at its core, is action. To love as a verb means actively engaging with the world around you—playing, creating, and daring to show up as your truest self. By reframing love in these terms, we reclaim the radical possibility that everyday gestures can alter the texture of existence. Let these acts be both your critique of modernity and your personal manifesto.

The more we practice love as a verb, the more it becomes the very fabric of how we exist in the world. For, in each moment of genuine human engagement, we find not only the essence of love but also the seeds of transformation. And perhaps, in that quiet revolution, we will discover that the most powerful art is found in the tender, deliberate practice of loving well.