February: The Warmest Month of the Year

By Maria Kasel

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it,” said William Arthur Ward. This February, make sure to express your love through actions of gratitude.

Send cards and small gifts

You don’t have to go above and beyond to show someone that you care about them. Every year around Valentine’s Day, my friend sends out a Google Form to our group and asks us what our favorite candy is. Without fail, every year I wake up with my favorite candy and a card by my door. This simple gesture means the world to me. Try doing something similar and you’ll feel great just for doing something kind for your loved ones.

Go out of your way for someone

Actions speak louder than words, and nothing speaks louder than effort. Too often, we send a simple text to say thank you. This month, let’s turn those texts into something bigger. Offer your friends, significant other, roommates, etc. a ride to class, assistance with errands, or simply treat them to ice cream (it is the warmest month of the year, remember). Small actions like this serve as a constant reminder that you care.

Listen, and truly listen

If one of your loved ones seems stressed, down, or quiet, listen to them and show them that you are attentive to their wellbeing. Actively listen to what they have to say. Many just want to talk and let everything off their chest without being interrupted. You don’t have to spend money in order to show love. Let your loved ones know you are thinking about them by being authentically present for them.