Love is one of the most fundamental human needs, yet many of us feel like we’re not receiving enough of it. Whether it’s romantic, platonic, or self-love, cultivating more love in your life starts with intentional choices and actions. Love isn’t just something that happens—it’s something you can create.

Love is not just an emotion; it is a skill that can be developed with practice. While emotions can be fleeting, love is built through repeated actions, habits, and ways of thinking. Just as you develop a new skill through learning and consistency, deep and meaningful love requires effort, patience, and a willingness to grow. The good news is that anyone can nurture more love in their life by becoming more intentional about how they give and receive it.

Here are five ways to invite more love into your life:

 

1. Start by Loving Yourself

The way you treat yourself sets the standard for how others will treat you. Self-love isn’t about arrogance or self-indulgence—it’s about recognising your worth and treating yourself with kindness and respect. This means setting boundaries, speaking to yourself with compassion, and engaging in activities that nourish your well-being. When you prioritise self-care and self-acceptance, you naturally attract more love from others.

Practice: Write down three things you appreciate about yourself each day. Over time, this will help reinforce your sense of self-worth.

 

2. Give the Love You Want to Receive

Love is a two-way street. If you want more love in your life, start by being more loving toward others. Express appreciation, offer kind words, and show up for the people who matter to you. Often, when we feel a lack of love, it’s because we’re waiting for others to make the first move. Instead, take the initiative and be the source of love and connection.

Practice: Send a heartfelt message to someone you care about, just to let them know they’re appreciated.

 

3. Open Yourself Up to Love

Sometimes, we unknowingly block love by holding onto past hurts, maintaining emotional walls, or fearing vulnerability. Letting go of these barriers doesn’t mean ignoring past pain—it means acknowledging it, healing from it, and allowing yourself to be open again. Love requires a level of risk, but the reward is worth it.

Practice: Reflect on any fears or beliefs that might be holding you back from accepting love, and challenge them with self-compassion.

 

4. Surround Yourself with Loving People

The people we spend time with significantly impact how much love we experience in life. Seek out relationships that feel warm, supportive, and reciprocal. Distance yourself from those who drain your energy or make you feel unworthy. Love should feel expansive and uplifting—not something you have to constantly chase or prove.

Practice: Make a list of people who bring joy into your life and prioritise spending more time with them.

 

5. Create Meaningful Connections

Love isn’t just about grand gestures—it thrives in everyday moments of connection. Engaging in deep conversations, showing genuine interest in others, and being present in your interactions all strengthen the bonds of love. Even small, thoughtful acts—like remembering someone’s favourite coffee order or sending a check-in message—can make a big difference.

Practice: The next time you have a conversation, really listen without thinking about what you’ll say next. Presence is one of the greatest gifts of love.

 

Final Thoughts

Love isn’t something that’s given to a lucky few—it’s something you cultivate through your thoughts, actions, and relationships. By loving yourself, giving freely, opening up, surrounding yourself with positive connections, and creating meaningful moments, you’ll naturally invite more love into your life. Love is abundant; the more you give, the more you’ll receive.