All the Best Ways to Love: A Cutesy Valentine’s Day Post

Originally published February 13, 2025

This February 14th, I am as single as I’ve ever been. Mostly, but confidently. I’ve had a crush on someone since the 5th grade and have felt love even in the darkest of places. The heart is a beast I never intended to tame. I seldom embrace my love of loving, but I never deny it. That being said, I obviously feel quite qualified to speak on the matter. 

I use the word ‘love’ generously because that is what I believe it to be. Generous and abundant, love is impartial and ravenous in its pursuits. At my core, I believe it’s what humans were intended for, and everything else we experience in life is just part of the journey to get there. All just stepping stones, walls to break down and obstacles to face on the way to love. I asked many others what their favorite source of love is, whatever shape or kind of love they covet. These are their (and some of my) answers:

Sibling love (love you Joshie).

Love that is as special as the day you met.

Found (built) family love.

Love that takes care of you and gives you relaxation.

A “physical touch, words of affirmation, cook for you, cook for me, give and take, 50/50” kind of love.

Love that pushes you to be authentic, reach your goals, and grow together.

Coming back for my scarf, lingering in the doorway kind of love. Gravitating together without a plan and wasting time away kind of love.

A love, romantic or platonic, that allows the most pure, natural version of yourself to exist fearlessly.

Love in the everyday, mundane tasks you share.

Can’t go home, stay forever, “you hang up first”, comfort in the presence of this love.

Agape love; a love that is unconditional and selfless. 

Love where our unfiltered souls dance freely, without masks and hesitation.

Scratch my head and I’ll scratch your back with love.

A love that’s a tender and honest exchange of one another’s core, buoyed by a dedication to protecting each other’s wellbeing.

Love that is like a song no one else can hear, like an invisible cloak you wear, never giving or getting enough.

Love that colors your life.

Getting to read my friends blog post love.

“You can have my last fry” kind of love.

Think of me when you see something kind of love.

“Wait can I get the same thing” kind of love.

Love that does favors without asking, silently showing how in tune you are with the needs and wants of each other.

Love for gooooood food.

Love for small baby cutesy things.

A meal, an embrace, and a conversation love.

Soul gripping, sweaty breathless deliciously cruel love.

Love that inspires love.

Love that feels timeless and boundless…also DL men.

Considerate love; being mindful of one’s time, effort, and energy.

Quiet love. the love where someone remembers and brings it up months or years later. the love where they already know what I want before I want it.

A hair braiding kind of love.

Like no time has passed kind of love.

Love that brings butterflies.

Love that makes you feel safe enough to sleep.

Do-I-don’t-I love.

I’ve read this book 87 times kind of love.

Love that brings unwavering support because it understands and believes in you.

Sticky, icky “I can’t live without you, or I will die” love. (the plague)

Love that keeps you up late.

It’s in the details kind of love.

Love for peaceful solitude.

Love for others when solitude turns lonely.

Love for parents who are there for you.

Love for those who aren’t.

The love for those you lost. Dead or alive.

Love you feel for those you hate.

Listening deeply and thoughtful feedback love.

Living proof that you listened when I spoke love.

A love that fails in theory but still shows up, even in the worst of times.

Turbulent, exploding crash and burn love.

Teenage love affairs (love you alicia keys).

Love for friends far away.

The annoying pesky love of those you see too often.

The budding friendship love.

The love you choose.

The love that chooses you.

And lastly, my most favorite 

The kind of love you never question. From whoever or for whatever. The love that guides you because of its certainty and unabashed comfort, truth and understanding. The love that you needn’t cling to because you know it is yours for all intents and purposes.

 This is my favorite because it looks different to everyone. It can happen in an instant, or it can be a journey of realization. Either way, it is a blessing. 

The emotional range that love itself evokes is something to behold. It is rare that a love is perfect but it is always that love is life altering. This Valentine’s Day I urge anyone reading this to love. A lot and very loudly and as much as you can stomach. love hard and love soft. love clumsily and love intentionally. love people and things, the good and bad. Be excited, be scared, be happy, be full, be spontaneous, be bold, and most importantly, stay brave. From my heart to yours, I offer you my sincerest, most tender love. 

Thank you to everyone who submitted something. Feel free to add on in the comments.

Thank you for reading