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101 Ways to Love Each Other

I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time. - Calvin & Hobbes

Article written by Alex Blackwell. Connect with me on Facebook.

Expressing love to our partners, children, family and friends not only strengthens communication it also improves connection and intimacy. Too often we get distracted by the trivial and forget how important it is to nurture our relationships.

Finding simple, but heartfelt ways to love each other is a source of encouragement for the giver and the receiver. By loving consciously, we discover Love is the force that puts the world back together when it feels like it’s coming apart. It provides a sense of contentment and gratitude deep in our hearts and is the voice that tells us, “Everything will be okay.”

Consider these ways to love each other and help create a world where beauty and grace can fill the hearts of everyone willing to give and then receive Love’s gentle power:

  1. Don’t wait to say, “I love you.” Tell someone today, right now.
  2. Tell your child you believe in her or him.
  3. When you ask a question, listen to the answer.
  4. Leave an unexpected note.
  5. Admit when you are wrong.
  6. Do what you say you’re going to do.
  7. Be generous with compliments and judicious with complaints.
  8. Forgive, let go and move on.
  9. Smile when someone touches your heart.
  10. Prepare and share a meal together.
  11. Tell your parent one thing he or she did that inspired you.
  12. Treat a friend to lunch.
  13. Seek to understand first, before asking to be understood.
  14. Hold onto a hug one moment longer than expected.
  15. Be an encourager.
  16. Show patience, even in your busiest moment.
  17. Help a friend find something that has been lost.
  18. When someone is on your mind, pick up the phone and let them know.
  19. Tell your wife how much you love her every night.
  20. Tell your husband you are proud of him every day.
  21. Be faithful to your partner even when you think Temptation has made its case.
  22. Pray together.
  23. Turn on a light to interrupt the darkness.
  24. When asked for feedback; give it honestly, but with compassion.
  25. Never forget the love you have been given; treasure it; respect it and hold onto it.
  26. Put your child’s needs ahead of your own.
  27. Show respect and expect respect in return.
  28. Be comfortable in the silence.
  29. Grab a work-out together.
  30. Let your wife know you would marry her again.
  31. Read to your child.
  32. Extend a hand when there is a need.
  33. Make time to just play!
  34. Don’t gloat when you are right.
  35. Let them see you being vulnerable; it will validate their own vulnerability.
  36. Call your mom or dad often and offer some real insight into your life.
  37. Climb the mountain and then enjoy the view together.
  38. Never use love, or the threat of withholding love, as a weapon.
  39. Be the rock in the storm.
  40. Remember the words you use can encourage and they can hurt, too.
  41. Do the right thing, always.
  42. Be the first to stand up for your child.
  43. Look for opportunities to make a loved one’s day a little easier.
  44. Say, “Thank you.”
  45. Open your heart to receive a loved one’s best effort.
  46. Carry your friend; but know when it’s time to put him down.
  47. When angry, think about how your words will be received ten minutes into the future.
  48. Linger at the dinner table after the meal has been eaten.
  49. Know when to offer space and respect boundaries.
  50. Remember that everyone deserves a second chance.
  51. Go for a walk and leave the iPods at home.
  52. Diffuse embarrassment with laughter.
  53. Be willing to fall in love with your partner over and over.
  54. Leave work at work.
  55. Receive the compliment – it’s a gift created especially for you.
  56. Your children hear everything; give them something worth repeating.
  57. Speak your mind, but with a tender heart.
  58. Share. Honor. Trust. Love and then repeat.
  59. Provide a safe place to rest.
  60. Notice the small things and recognize them.
  61. Cover your partner with more of what they want.
  62. Trust a friend.
  63. Don’t offer or try to fix a loved one.
  64. Place your partner’s hand inside of yours.
  65. Laugh together.
  66. Call when you are running late.
  67. Watch home videos or look through family photo albums together.
  68. Take the good with the bad.
  69. Ask your child for his opinion.
  70. Save enough energy for a good-night kiss.
  71. Compliment your partner in front of others.
  72. Become the loudest cheerleader.
  73. Live in the here and now with those closest to your heart.
  74. Tell your loved ones what they mean to you.
  75. Be a model for healthy living.
  76. When your partner comes home stop what you are doing and greet her.
  77. Demonstrate self-acceptance and self-love.
  78. Wait for the “rest of the story” before coming to an opinion.
  79. Make the relationship a priority.
  80. Show your gratitude.
  81. Refrain from expecting perfection.
  82. Be generous with your most valuable resource – your time.
  83. Help a loved one to feel special on their birthday.
  84. Love each one for who they are today.
  85. Solve problems together.
  86. Let them see the real you.
  87. Cry together.
  88. Let a loved one know that he or she is making your life better.
  89. Do the unexpected.
  90. Choose true connection over mediocrity.
  91. Never insult your spouse, child and friend.
  92. Plan a family night.
  93. Know when to disconnect from the computer and re-connect.
  94. Give gifts from your heart.
  95. Acknowledge your partner’s worth.
  96. Stop trying so hard to be the perfect parent and just be who you are.
  97. Lift up your friend.
  98. Let your parents know you will continue the positive family traditions.
  99. Remember the art of patience.
  100. Simply love and love simply.

Where is #101?

The list ended at number 100 because I invite you to share in Comments (below) your ideas. There are countless ways to love each other and I would love for you to add to the list.

If you are reading this article as an email subscriber, click here and then scroll down to the Comments area to share your idea. I’m looking forward to reading all of the 101s!


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More from The BridgeMaker

Alex Blackwell is the Founder of The BridgeMaker. His book, How to Love Consciously, is now available as a free download here. Join Alex and The BridgeMaker community on Facebook and don’t forget to get your free subscription to receive free updates and exclusive content.


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Comments

11 Responses to “101 Ways to Love Each Other”

  1. Michelle @ Following Your Joy on February 25th, 2010 4:20 pm

    101: Be a cheerleader for your loved one in whatever it is they love; help them follow their joy!

    102: Put the toothpaste on your partner’s toothbrush right before they come into the bathroom before bed…so it’s all ready to go for them. :)

  2. Hulbert on February 25th, 2010 9:15 pm

    Nice one Michelle. I like the one with toothpaste.

    103. Spend the morning drinking coffee with your dad.

    104. Spend the evening watching the game with your dad.

    Great post Alex. :)

  3. Tess The Bold Life on February 25th, 2010 9:47 pm

    No 46 Oh my I remember when I first learned this.

    No 55 is so necessary because we change throughout relationships

    No 95 very important

    Love your list. I’m familiar with all of these but sometimes need a reminder to practice the ones that are still difficult or not as easy. Thanks for that reminder.

    Tess Married 38 years;)

  4. Alex Blackwell on February 26th, 2010 3:13 pm

    @ Michelle: #102 is perfect for me since I’m challenged with squeezing the last of the toothpaste from the tube – what would I do without my Mary Beth?

    @ Hulbert: I’m sure your father appreciates this time together very much.

    @ Tess: I wrote this list as a reminder for me, too. Congrats on 38 years; Mary Beth and I celebrate 25 in June.

  5. Farouk on March 1st, 2010 8:52 am

    point number 54 is amazing, leave work at work, that could solve a looooot of problems

  6. Cathy on March 2nd, 2010 2:41 am

    101: Remember why you fell in love in the first place.

  7. Alex Blackwell on March 2nd, 2010 11:31 am

    @ Farouk: Yes, this a point I have really learned over the years.

    @ Cathy: It does begin right there!

  8. karlene on March 9th, 2010 12:55 pm

    #1 allows you to take charge of the atmosphere.

    #101: Rekindle the fire that sparked when you first met, every day.

    It will refresh you and re-energize you.

  9. Hja Helen P. Ahmad on April 23rd, 2011 10:00 pm

    All so true. One must always be there for the other. To be there at all times because you can never… sigh………..

  10. Filipe on July 4th, 2011 8:01 pm

    Great list! A must read on a regular basis as a worthy reminder of what matters.

    101. Lay down on the floor with your kids and play with them and their toys, give them your undivided attention.

  11. Hime Marie on January 27th, 2012 2:18 pm

    101. Give ur momma a reward of all those things she have done for u, like cook her breakfast, go window shopping with her or simply gift her a portion of the Bible ^.^

What do you think?