Love is always in the air here at Her Campus at Carleton, and our exec teams sure know how to show it! I asked our execs to share their favourite way of showing love to the special people in their lives. Hopefully this can inspire you to show off your adoration, too!
Thoughtful gifts – Cassandra Richardson, Treasurer
My love language is gift-giving, so my favourite way to show love is through small and thoughtful presents. I love decorating cakes, which is why dropping off cakes is one of my top ways to show love to my friends. Not only do I get to show my love through a hobby I enjoy, but everyone loves homemade treats! Baking is a triple threat: I get to be creative, personalize gifts for the people I love, and take a break from the stress of school.Â
Balancing self-love and giving love – Emma Hodgson, Social Media & Marketing Director
​​I show love by being the trustworthy person people can go to with anything. I care a lot about the people in my life and when I see them going through something, I want to do whatever I can to help. I am always super open and I make sure my friends know they can trust me. Making sure people feel safe and comfortable is always so important. Being this person for other people means you really have to look out for yourself, too.
Self-love is just as important as the love you show others. Set boundaries with the people you love – being there for them is amazing but you need the time to be there for yourself too. Too much of one thing can be draining, so create a balance between self-love and giving love.Â
Listening & cooking – Sherlly Russel-Kingsley, Social Media Executive
My top two love languages are words of affirmation and acts of service. I love someone by being there for that person. For example, I always try patiently listen to all they have to say to let them know I am here and that they are being heard.
My acts of service come in the form of food: I love to make food for my loved ones. It is something about cooking for the people I love that is exciting and warm. I don’t often cook for people, but it automatically means I love and care for that person if I randomly share food or cook for them.
Surprised with love – Krissy Draper, Events Director
One way that I love showing my love for others is by surprising them! Whether it’s giving them something they need or just something that I think they would like, or even doing something for them that makes their life easier, it’s something that I always love to do! For example, if I’m at my parents’ house, I love to surprise them with dinner being cooked or the house being cleaned for them when they get home from work. Or, when I’m with my roommates, bringing a surprise coffee home for them to show I love them and am thinking of them!
Treats are on me – Jenna Legge, Events Team Member
For me, Valentine’s Day is for showing everyone important in my life how much they mean to me. However, it is just as important to show people how much you care all the time, not just on holidays. I choose to show love to my friends and family by sending them encouraging text messages to get through the day. I also like to bring the people in my life “pick-me-up” treats. I love making my friends and family snacks to make sure they are eating well and popping by their homes to bring some Timbits or Starbucks to brighten their day!
Always being There – Rawan Youssef, Campus CorrespondentÂ
My friends and family have been known to describe my way of showing love as very… catlike. I can be pretty distant and moody at times, usually valuing my space and comfort above most else. However, when I am in an affectionate mood, I like to drop in on my loved ones and just spend time hanging out with them, whether in-person or online. A lot of those times can be filled with playful bickering and complaints, but I couldn’t ask for anything more. If I really wanted to show how much you mean to me though, I will offer you a gift, usually, one inspired by something mentioned off-hand several months ago. It’s my way of saying that even if I may be aloof and grumpy sometimes, I’m listening and I’m here — and I love you!
Lovely letters – Rianna Lim, Senior Editor
My favourite way of showing love to my family and friends is by sending them letters and cards in the mail! It’s a super cost-effective and unbelievably simple way of showing others that you’re thinking of them and that you really care. While it’s always nice to send cards and write letters around the holidays, I personally think it’s even nicer to do it on random occasions “just because!” Even better, attaching photos, stickers or even little drawings to your mail can add a thoughtful and artsy touch that can certainly go a long way. Needless to say, I love love letters!
Love through service – Ashley Hermalin, Associate Editor
I show love through acts of service. Sometimes, I’m not sure what to say and can say the wrong thing, especially if my loved one needs support. But by buying their favourite smoothie, making them a coffee or even baking a batch of cookies, they can know that I’m thinking about them.
A caring, helping hand – Rachel Fiset, Associate Editor
I show love through helping and caring for others! It really brings me joy to be able to give back and just be there for those who need me. Whether it’s sitting and having a coffee, making cookies, or just giving someone a ride, I really show my love by being there when it matters most! I also show my love by listening and trying to communicate how important a person is to me and why they matter. I think words of affirmation are really important and to be able to give that to someone in a personalized way means that I care about who they are and that I want them to be happy.
Our HC exec team knows what’s up when it comes to love, and now we’d love to hear from you. What’s your favourite way of showing love? Let us know on our socials @HCCarleton!