The concept is simple: out-love everyone you love. Don’t track it, don’t worry about if it’s reciprocated equally, don’t weigh up the risk of looking weird. This can be applied in some way or shape to everyone you love.
How do you out-love your spouse? Throw a towel in the dryer to warm up when they hop in the shower. Make their favorite dinner on a Tuesday just to see them smile. Put toothpaste on their brush when you do your own. Be the first to say “hey, you’re my best friend” in the middle of an argument. Genuinely ask about their day. Put a silly love note in their sun visor to stumble upon. Help without grumbling – yes, even if what they’re looking for is right THERE, exactly where you told them to look. Apologize unprompted when you realize you were snappy. Be the first to reach for their hand or a hug.
How do you out-love your kids? Listen when they talk. Cheer them on when they’re struggling. Ruffle their hair or squeeze their shoulder when you walk past them. Make heart hands when you catch them looking at you. Do their chores on a rough day. Be the last to let go in a hug. Initiate a game together – whatever they’re interested in at the moment. Soften your tone, even when they’re being crabby. Cuddle for an extra minute or two at bedtime. Ask to hold hands while watching a movie. Plate their food in the shape of a heart or smiley face.
How to you out-love your friends? Send the first good-morning text. Call them to sing Happy Birthday. Offer to grab a pick-me-up when they’re having a hard day. Bring dinner when their household gets sick. Invite them to go for a walk, visit a park, or come over for coffee. Tell them how much they mean to you and impact your life. Let them know when they’re inspiring you or you find yourself thinking of how grateful you are to have them. Assume the best intentions when there’s a misunderstanding. Let go of the petty things, everyone has slip-ups and bad days.
Throw away every lame-a$$ social rule you internalized in middle school. Put on your big-girl pants and out-love your people.
Disclaimer/Reality Check: I’m loud with my love. I keep notes in my phone about my friends and family’s likes and dislikes – favorite drinks, colors, things they’re looking for second-hand, etc. I don’t care if you think it’s weird – I probably think you’re weird for with-holding the never-ending resource of love you have at your freakin’ fingertips. This column will be about motherhood, parenting, and homemaking for the most part. It might be about being the person you want to meet or budgeting as grocery prices rise. Most importantly, I don’t ever want this column to make another mama think she’s not doing enough. If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you are, you’re doing great, keep it up. Sing it with me: no-one is doing it allllll!
