It’s time to bring back shame for those who claim love but refuse to honor it with action. As a hopeless romantic, I’ve learned that love isn’t just words—it’s action. With Valentine’s Day here, love is everywhere with stuffed animals, romance, chocolates, flowers, and grand gestures. But for me love isn’t about what you do on one special day; it’s about what you do every single day.
Holding Love to a Higher Standard
This is something I think about a lot as I raise my son. Not just because I want him to feel loved but because I want him to understand what real love looks like not just in words but in presence. Unfortunately, life has already shown him that not everyone who says they love you shows up how they should. As his mother, I’m responsible for ensuring he still grows up knowing he is deeply loved, valued, and worthy of consistency.
Love is More than Words, it’s Action
That’s why I refuse to let him grow up thinking that love is just a word. He will know that love is showing up, being present, consistent, and proving through actions. Because love that doesn’t align with action isn’t love at all. It’s convenient. It’s performative and it’s not enough. I think I have done a really good job of surrounding my son with people who don’t just say they love him but consistently show it because love shows up. I’ve been intentional about creating a village that uplifts, supports, and loves my son in ways that leave no room for doubt. I believe that by surrounding him with people who lead with action, I am teaching him to not only recognize love that doesn’t just speak but shows up—but also to seek love that is consistent and to show love in the same way.
I may not be able to control who chooses to show up in his life, but I can control the kind of love he is surrounded by. And I’m proud to say that my baby knows only love—because that’s exactly what he’s surrounded by.
