Love is contagious. The more you get, the more you want to give. Where can you turn to get yourself infected?
Your husband, wife, or life partner offers you love. So do your friends and family members. But any fear that they don’t really mean it gets in the way of receiving as much love as possible.
The secret is this: Expect Love. Watch for signs of it. Watch for them the way you watch for the first bit of green pushing up out of the earth in the spring or for a baby’s first tooth. Take note whenever you spot them.
And get over the idea that you need to guard against a withdrawal of love by testing for it all the time. You can only test for a dozen or so of its many varieties, and you’re going to overlook all the others while you’re running your tests.
Don’t say, “If you loved me you would be more careful with our money.” That dear person you welcomed into your life for his or her extraordinary optimism or appreciation of beautiful objects may not offer frugal love, too. Separate your money if you must to feel safe, and Expect Love without trying to predefine it.
And don’t try, “If you loved me, you would forgive me for being late to your big day.” Forgiving love is delightful, but no more so than high integrity love or get-it-done love or creative surprises love.
Expect Love. The expectation alone attracts more of it. Filled with love, you can change the world.
Let go of one of your love tests. Let some more love in.
Keep a private love journal. Aim to document at least three acts of love received daily. It will change your life. Gratitude felt increases happiness, even without an increase in things to feel grateful for.
Teach your children — and other people’s children — to Expect Love.
