5 tiny ways to love better, starting today.

Hi there, I hope this finds you well. Another Summer week slipped by. Ever wish you could slow it all down? Just wait until you’re a parent ;) You’re reading another edition of The Bright Side. A (now) weekly dose of calm and clarity in a noisy world.

It’s the little things

Love. We picture the big moments, right?
But lasting love?

It’s built moment by moment in the shadows of life.

Like an ordinary Tuesday, coming home after a long day of work. Tired, distracted, hungry…and still choosing connection before anything else.

In a split second, instead of focusing on ourselves, we do something that says:

You matter.
I care about you.
And I’m showing up with my time, energy and attention. Even when it’s not convenient. 

These small actions are easy to skip. Days of habit, routine and responsibility don’t always have caring on the checklist. But those tiny acts stack up.

Because the way we show up, in small, consistent ways, is the relationship.

And the more we take loving action, the more love we all feel.

“This year, I made an intention to be a better friend. One of my favorite new habits is something I call “Friendship Fridays.” I block off 10 minutes every Friday morning to send a voice note, a meme, or just a quick message to someone I love. No pressure to meet up. Just a soft touchpoint to say, ‘I’m thinking of you.’”—Isabelle

Love is a (daily) practice

We accept that skills take practice: Shooting a three-pointer. A flaky pie crust. Tackling Crazy Train on the guitar (R.I.P. Ozzy O).

But love? How can we expect to master communication, body language, timing and boundaries…from day one?

Think about that: Love is a feeling no one can universally define. And yet, we set unrealistic expectations on how to navigate it.

Instead, make it a practice. Practices, by nature, involve messing up: good days, bad days and a lot of in-between.

Here are 5 small, science-backed ways to love better across all relationships.

Including partners, family, friends, co-workers, teammates…and yes, yourself.

1️⃣ Shine a light on the positive
Practice: Name the good (out loud)
Example: “You always remember the little stuff. It means more than I say.”
Why it works: People feel emotionally safe and connected when they’re noticed. 

2️⃣ Choose connection over being right
Practice: You can win the point…or preserve the bond. Rarely both.
Example: Pause and ask: “Do I want to be right, or do I want us to feel close?”
Why it works: Strong relationships prioritize respect, not ego wins.

3️⃣ Make the repair quickly
Practice: Don’t let tension linger. Own your part.
Example: “I messed up earlier….that’s on me. I’m sorry.”
Why it works: Quick, sincere repairs deepen trust and calm the nervous system. 

4️⃣ Show your love…don’t assume
Practice: Affection and affirmation need repetition.
Example: Text them the thing you forgot to say yesterday.
Why it works: Ongoing expressions of care reinforce emotional security. (Gottman Institute)

5️⃣ Do a 3-minute favor
Practice: Tiny effort, big impact.
Example: Handle the call. Drop off their coffee.
Why it works: Small, high-reward generosity builds trust.

Try one of these today. You might just surprise yourself.

71 years. Reunited after 10 days. 😭

These two were separated for 10 days. His expression when his wife walks in says it all (and if I had to guess, they do all the ‘little’ things.)

You sent in your tunes. Here it is!

It’s a little nostalgic, a little new and full of windows-down magic. 

Thanks for sharing your soundtracks. We’ll keep the playlist open, so feel free to reply with additions.

I hope you find a small way to love today. A text, a touchpoint, a moment of humility.

Whether it’s your oldest friend you haven’t talked to in ages…Or a smile and an “appreciate you” to the cashier bagging your groceries.

Because the little things? They’re never little. They’re what make life special.

Until next time,