Love means showing up. Consistently.
I think that oftentimes, the feeling of love is mistaken for the act in itself. However, this is understandable because it is such a beautiful feeling that it’s easy to think that is all there is to it. Love is/should be more than that.
Love is showing up in the little ways and the big ways, but more importantly, in the little ways.
Love is the feeling you get when you and your girls are getting set for a Friday night out on ‘the streets’, jamming up to the entire Renaissance album, channelling your inner Beyoncé, getting your make-up done with a bottle of wine, taking pictures, making videos to capture those precious moments forever. That rush, the excitement, the feeling that nothing else matters in the world, that’s love. I always joke about the fact that there’s nothing like an amazing girls’ night out to make you feel like life is really worth living.
A simple text message to check in on a loved one, a hug after a rough day at work and Lagos traffic, or even a small gesture like asking “how can I help?” have such a huge impact. These little ways of showing love communicate to the recipient that they are not just thought of, but they are truly valued and appreciated. Love is often demonstrated by a level of care and concern that can only be expressed through small acts of kindness.
Love should also be expressed in the big ways. For context, I am an Igbo babe and I am of the school of thought that ‘I love you’ no be for mouth. I love the grand romantic gestures. Borrowing from Rihanna’s lyrics, I want you to make me feel like I’m the only girl in the world. Like I’m the only one that you’ve ever loved. Wake me up to heavy credit alerts, plan occasional weekend staycations where I can lodge in a nice hotel to destress from the hustle and bustle of Lagos, steady date nights as much as our schedules can allow. Love should also be expressed with material things. To my girlies, do not let anyone shame you for being materialistic. Grand gestures of love are certainly memorable and impactful, they require a great deal of effort and sacrifice. They demonstrate a level of devotion and commitment that can only be expressed in the most meaningful of ways.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of showing love is the intention behind it. Whether it’s through a big gesture or a small one, the act of showing up for someone in any way possible is what truly demonstrates the depth of your love for a person. Whether it is through the little ways or the big ways, the most important thing is that we are present and actively expressing our love.
In conclusion, love is a multifaceted emotion that can be expressed in countless ways. From the little ways to the big ways, showing love is about being there for someone and showing up no matter what. This is how we demonstrate love in a way that is both meaningful and lasting.
OH MY GAD! LOVE IT!!!