"Aimer c'est agir"

When we hear the phrase "To love is to act," it points to the idea that loving someone isn’t just about feeling warmth and affection. It’s about demonstrating those feelings through our actions. Love becomes real when it’s expressed in tangible ways, not just through words but through what we do for others.

Think about it this way: saying "I love you" can be sweet, but those words are empty if they're not backed up by deeds. If you love someone, you show it by being there for them, helping them out, and supporting them in their endeavors. It’s about making their lives better through real, concrete actions.

Historically, this idea has been embraced by many cultures and philosophies. Take Mother Teresa, for example. She dedicated her entire life to helping the poorest of the poor in India. She didn’t just talk about love and compassion; she lived it every single day through her selfless acts of kindness and service. Her actions spoke louder than any words could.

Imagine you’ve got a friend who’s going through a tough time. Maybe they’ve lost their job, or they’re dealing with some personal issues. You could tell them, “I’m here for you,” or, “I care about you,” and that’s great—but what really makes a difference is showing up at their door with a home-cooked meal, helping them look for new job opportunities, or simply spending time with them so they don’t feel alone. These actions demonstrate your love and concern in a way that words alone can’t.

Now, let’s dig into some advice on applying this wisdom. If you want to show someone you love them, think about what they need. Is it support, encouragement, a listening ear, or maybe a helping hand with something practical? Then, take action. It doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic; sometimes, the smallest gestures can mean the most. A quick text to check in, doing a chore they hate, or surprising them with their favorite treat—these are all ways to act on your love.

Here’s a story to illustrate the point. Imagine a husband and wife, John and Sarah. John works long hours and often comes home exhausted. Sarah can see he’s struggling, so she decides to help in ways that show her love. Instead of just saying, “I appreciate how hard you work,” she makes sure dinner is ready when he gets home, packs his lunch for the next day, and takes care of errands so he can relax when he’s home. John, on the other hand, knows Sarah misses her friends from college, so he arranges a surprise weekend getaway for her to reconnect with them. Through these actions, they both show their love and appreciation for each other in ways that strengthen their bond far more than words alone ever could.

So, next time you want to show someone you care, think about what you can do, not just what you can say. Love is a verb—it’s something you do. Show up, be there, and let your actions speak for your heart.