Everyone has their own idea about what love really is, or should be. For some, love is really the intangible emotions conjured within themselves by that special someone. For others, it’s the concrete actions, such as items that are purchased or shared. Both would agree, though, that sentimental actions are demonstrations of love, like when someone gives you the bigger half, or saves you the best seat.
The hash tag #WhatIsLoveIn4Words is all about how to capture the concept of love in a concise way. Just as different people think of love in its many varying capacities, there is a diverse collection of tweets claiming to be able to sum up the immeasurable mixture of emotions we call love.
Most of the four word phrases tweeted were from businesses or organizations that were using this as an opportunity to advertise their products or agendas. There were many that referenced food, drinks, and sports. Some of them were predictable, some silly, some apropos for the coinciding Valentine's Day holiday. This list does include corporate posts, but seeks to exhibit a genuine combination of the many facets of love, including the love shared between friends, romantic love, familial love, and the love between pets and their owners.
Image courtesy of INFphoto.com
[new page = #10]
You can have mine
Uncrustables posted the following tweet which captures that notion that when you love someone, no matter what capacity it may be in, you are willing to share.
Image via Twitter from Uncrustables
[new page = #9]
Taking the middle seat
Anyone who's ever ridden on an airplane knows the middle seat is not preferable. You invariably end up feeling squished. You can't lean in either direction if you're dozing, you bump elbows while attempting to eat, and then there's always that frustration of having to figure out which way to go when you need to use the restroom. Aer Lingus tweeted this as an example of love when you're willing to sacrifice your comfort for someone else.
Image via Twitter from Aer Lingus
[new page = #8]
Hi, I’m your daddy
America’s Navy tweeted a picture of a sailor holding his baby saying, “Hi, I’m your daddy” as its example of love in four words. Certainly there is no love greater than that of a parent for their child, though it could have been “Hi, I’m your mommy.”
Image via America’s Navy
[new page = #7]
Granting wishes for kids
The Make a Wish Foundation is known for providing memorable experiences for children who have a bleak, or potentially no, future. With the help of donors, including many celebrities, they do grant wishes for kids!
Image via Twitter from Make a Wish America
[new page = #6]
Acceptance, forgiveness, compassion, gratitude
Some people posted a list of four separate words that are associated with love rather than a phrase. Paula Abdul was one such person. The first word she listed, “acceptance,” is an important aspect of love. You have to be willing to accept the other person for who they are. Next, she listed “forgiveness.” When you love someone, you need to be willing to forgive them, and accept their forgiveness. “Compassion” is an obvious choice as it denotes caring for someone. Her fourth word was “gratitude.” We should be thankful, and when you are loved you have to be careful not to take it for granted.
[new page = #5]
I made you coffee
This may seem cliché or silly, but it’s the thought that counts. Choosing to make coffee for someone else can be a demonstration of thoughtfulness. It’s doing something for someone just because you know they like it.
[new page = #4]
Never Leaving Bed Ever
Whether you’re enjoying the sweet cuddle that makes you feel safe and cared for, or the heated intimacy of a lover, there are times that you find yourself thinking, “I wish I could stay here forever!”
[new page = #3]
I chose to adopt
There are so many in the world who feel unwanted and unloved. Adoption is one way to alleviate this pain! Although this tweet was made with animals in mind, it can be just as relevant to children.
Image via Twitter from Peta2
[new page #2]
Sharing family time together
It is well known that spending time together as a family is one way to establish connectedness and trust. There are many ways families can spend quality time together, whether around the dinner table, or on vacation.
[new page = #1]
Sharing everything you’ve got
Part of loving someone is sharing with them. Best friends are known for sharing everything, even secrets. As a parent you share almost everything with your children. In marriage, you promise to care for each other and share with each other. Then, there are those who literally share everything they have to try to better, empower, and/or save the lives of others.
Image via Twitter from Save the Children UK