These days, you don’t need romance to participate in Valentine’s Day. Just like a snowflake, every love is unique, and there can be different characteristics found in every type! For decades, humans have experienced up to eight different types of love; sometimes, even with those, they are meeting for the first time! The Greeks studied love and distinguished these eight different types giving each its own Greek name.
However, when it comes to the highest level of love a person can offer, the type of love called Agape reigns. Agape is loving throughout any and all circumstances and is not a physical act, but a feeling. It entails giving without any expectation of receiving in return and is known as selfless love.
How does that relate to you this Valentine’s Day? Choosing to show agape love in your relationships can strengthen your bond and extend an empathetic attitude to those who need it. By dedicating your life to helping another can inspire others to pay it forward and love selflessly.
Below we have outlined ideas to show Agape love to different relationships in your life. Use these as a jumping-off point to strengthen your relationships and incorporate expressing Agape into every day of your life.
Family
It’s easy to love people who are nice to you, but what about when fuels are high, and it is difficult to love a family member or child? Try these ideas to spark some love in your household or family tree. You can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family, so this year uses Valentine’s Day to show some selfless love and grow your relationships.
How to Show Agape to Your Family This Valentine’s Day:
- Tell a family member they matter and the impact they’ve had on you.
- Bring flowers to a family member at work.
- Send a text to a family member telling them that you miss them.
- Make dinner for your whole family.
- Coordinate a family reunion.
- Volunteer to help with someone’s wedding or special event.
Friends
Friends can, at times, be as close as a family, so it’s important to foster relationships with them! Offer support and go out of your way this Valentine’s Day to put your bestie first and let them know how much you love them.
How to Show Agape to Your Friends This Valentine’s Day:
- Babysit someone’s children.
- Coordinate a Galentine’s Day and write to each friend a note.
- Volunteer for someone’s charity or professional event.
- Offer to be someone’s professional reference.
- Give a friend a bouquet of flowers.
Spouse or Romantic Partner
Your spouse or romantic partner can be your support system and rock through challenging times. Giving back to the relationship more than you expect in return can help you express your care for them and foster a bond that is founded on respect.
How to Show Agape to Your Spouse or Romantic Partner This Valentine’s Day:
- Have the attitude of “What can I do for my spouse”?
- Put their wants and interests first.
- Listen to their problems and respond without a personal agenda.
- Surprise them with a personalized date or gift.
- Offer to treat them to a day of wellness and self-care.
Stranger
When it comes to Agape, the most important part is being kind and expressing love without personal intentions. When you are interacting with strangers, it can, at times, test your patience if things aren’t going your way. This Valentine’s Day practice the true test of Agape by showing love to someone who you don’t know.
How to Show Agape to A Stranger this Valentine’s Day:
- Practice Random Acts of Kindness.
- Let someone cut in line in front of you.
- Pay for someone’s coffee behind you.
- Smile at a stranger.
- Volunteer at a hospital.
- Give someone a flower.
- Donate to a charity.
Now that you are well equipped to go out and spread selfless love to everyone in your life, get creative and think of your own ideas for expressing Agape this Valentine’s Day! We wish you a happy Valentine’s Day full of lots of love!
