Sometimes, despite our best intentions, it can be hard to love and show affection to the people we care about. If this is something you struggle with, don’t worry – that’s okay. Some days it’s easier, and other days, not so much. Personally, I sometimes find it challenging to express love, to forgive others and myself, and to break down certain barriers that prevent me from loving freely. Deep down, though, I want to overcome these obstacles to fully thrive in my relationships and nurture them as best as I can. 

Here are a few practices I’ve observed and started applying that help me ease the mental load and find more peace and joy in my relationships! 

Develop active listening

Listening to those close to us doesn’t just mean hearing their words. Truly listening means reflecting, processing, and absorbing the information they share with us. It also means stepping into their shoes when they open up about their emotions or challenges and asking ourselves, “How would I feel if I were in their place?” Hearing is one thing, but making an effort to understand and thoughtfully engage with what they share is the key to active listening – and it’s a beautiful way to show love. 

Vocalize your emotions

For a long time, one of the hardest things for me was expressing how I felt. I often preferred to bury my feelings (and grudges) rather than voice them. Yet, there’s always a calm and kind way to communicate emotions, and sometimes this step is crucial for better communication – and ultimately, better trust – within a relationship. 

Start by simply observing your emotions within yourself. Once you’ve identified them, find the right words to describe them. Say them out loud first to yourself, and then share them with others. 

Practice forgiveness 

This is another concept that took me a while to embrace. Holding a grudge can feel like second nature, but it rarely helps us move forward. To grow and nurture a relationship positively, it’s essential to let go of resentment from time to time. Forgiveness doesn’t mean accepting everything or forgetting the past – it’s about letting go of certain mistakes and choosing to continue with someone if, deep down, you know they’re worth it. 

Forgiveness isn’t just for others, though. It starts with yourself. Learn to forgive your own mistakes, accept that you’re doing your best, and allow yourself to move on. Once you’ve mastered self-forgiveness, forgiving others becomes much easier. 

Embrace simple gestures 

We often underestimate the power of simple acts of love. It doesn’t take extravagant gifts or grand gestures to show someone you care. Practicing the three points above is already a profound expression of love. And if these small actions require effort on your part, they’ll likely be all the more appreciated by others. 

Feel gratitude 

Gratitude has become increasingly important in my life. Taking a moment to pause and reflect on what brought me joy today – the positive moments and emotions – helps me realize how much I have to be thankful for. This perspective shift allows me to widen my view, step back, and feel immense gratitude for the people, moments, and emotions in my life. Feeling gratitude is incredibly freeing and motivates me to keep showing my loved ones how much I care because, in the end, that’s what truly drives me.

Ultimately, loving and showing love is a journey, not a destination. Every small step matters, and every effort we make is an act of love – for others and for ourselves.

With lots of love,

Salomé