We aren’t all overt in our affection. Many of us are uncomfortable expressing ourselves with words. We show our love in different ways.

My dad says he doesn’t want gifts, but he’s the first one to play with the kids’ toys on Christmas morning. He doesn’t say “I love you”, but he makes sure my mom’s car is washed and maintained regularly so she’s safe. I don’t get to see my brother and sister in law often, but she never fails to send a birthday card.

People love you quietly, and you love them quietly. We give and receive tiny but grand gestures all the time and once you’re looking for them, you will find them everywhere.

I’m the first one that’s guilty of ignoring the tiny important gestures. I don’t send cards and half the time can’t even be bothered to send a birthday shoutout when facebook reminds me. But the small things matter more than we realize. A small hug in the middle of a busy day, grabbing a friend a coffee when you’re getting one for yourself, a card or message to let someone know you’re thinking of them, a small gesture that makes someone smile – all these small things translate to big, quiet love.

Think about the people you love. You don’t have to give them big grand gestures of love all the time, sometimes you can just quietly love them and tell them so by topping off their coffee cup in the morning or sending a card on their birthday. Small thoughtful gestures say just as much as big grand ones.