Five Quotes To Love on Valentine's Day

Being Valentine’s Day, love is on everyone’s mind. But what exactly is love? How do you know if you are loved? And have you ever wondered how well you love others?

Here are five quotes that say it all.

1. With this quote, we understand that we love others best once we learn to love ourselves:

“In ancient China, the Taoists taught that a constant inner smile, a smile to oneself, insured health, happiness and longevity. Why? Smiling to yourself is like basking in love: you become your own best friend. Living with an inner smile is to live in harmony with yourself.” — Mantak Chia 

2. This next quote is simple in words but powerful in its message. It teaches us that only open hearts can feel genuine love. How do you know when yours is open? If you care enough to hear someone out, your heart is open and receptive.

“The first duty of love is to listen.” — Paul Tillich

3. More than teaching us about love, this quote reminds us that when we let love guide our thoughts, love will become the nature of our character.

“The thought manifests as the word. The word manifests as the deed. The deed develops into habit. And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care. And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.” — Gautama Buddha

4. This quote shows us where our power truly lies in relationships, and even in the world.

“None of us has the power to make someone else love us. But we all have the power to give away love, to love other people. And if we do so, we change the kind of world we live in.” — Harold S. Kushner

5. This biblical quote reminds us what it takes to love others well and live happily in any community.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” — Paul the Apostle