Ah, Valentine’s Day. The annual parade of red roses, overpriced chocolates, and the occasional awkwardly stuffed teddy bear holding a heart. Whether you’re all in on the romance, rolling your eyes at the whole thing, or somewhere in between, there’s one undeniable truth: love shouldn’t be confined to just one day, and it definitely shouldn’t be limited to just romance.

Sure, February 14th is marketed as a day for couples to declare their undying affection (preferably with a prix fixe dinner and a greeting card that took someone else an hour to write). But the reality? Love is bigger than that. It’s what keeps us connected, grounded, and thriving—not just in relationships, but in friendships, family bonds, and even the kindness we show strangers.

So why wait for one day a year to celebrate it?

Love, But Make It Year-Round

Instead of putting all this pressure on a single day in February, what if we made love a year-round thing? Not just the mushy, romantic kind (though that’s great too), but the kind that shows up in everyday moments—the kind that actually makes life better.

1. Love Your People Your friends, your family, your neighbors—the ones who show up for you, who make you laugh, and who listen to your endless rants about work. Send a text just because. Grab lunch. Tell them what they mean to you. That is love.
2. Love Yourself (Because You Deserve It, Too) How often do we put ourselves last? News flash: self-love isn’t selfish. Take care of yourself, set boundaries, do things that make you happy—because the better you treat yourself, the better you can show up for others.
3. Love in the Little Things Love doesn’t always look like grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s picking up coffee for a coworker, holding the door for someone, or just smiling at a stranger. Small acts of kindness? That’s love in action.
4. Love Beyond Your Circle The world could use more compassion. Whether it’s volunteering, supporting a cause, or just being a little more patient in the grocery store line, extending love beyond your immediate circle can make a difference—more than you realize.

This Valentine’s Day, Expand Your Definition of Love

If you’re in a romantic relationship, celebrate it! But also take a moment to recognize all the other love in your life. Call a friend, hug your parents, pet your dog (seriously, they think every day is Valentine’s Day). And most importantly, carry that mindset with you all year long.

Because love isn’t about February 14th. It’s about every single day—and the way we show up for each other in big ways, small ways, and all the ways in between.

Happy Everyday Love Day! ❤️

XX,

MG

*interiors by @marianlouisedesign

TEA IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD