CWRU community members share how they show love on Valentine’s Day and beyond

Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) traditionally evokes symbols of romance, such as candle-lit dinners, flowers and candy. But this annual observance also is a time to celebrate the beauty of love in all forms, whether romantic, platonic, familial or even internal.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we connected with faculty, staff and students at Case Western Reserve University, who shared ways individuals can celebrate and share love on this day—and beyond.

Read on to hear their thoughts.

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Diana Gabriella Hume Rivera

Diana Gabriella Hume Rivera

Third-year nutritional biochemistry and metabolism student; president of Latino Medical Student Association Pre-Health Latin Undergraduate Society

Smile; it does not cost a dime, but it can brighten people’s days. You never know what people are going through, so I believe this is a simple way to show others you care, see them, and acknowledge that they matter.

Apart from smiling, I encourage others to share motivational quotes with loved ones and strangers alike. When I receive them from my friends, I feel cared for and it motivates me to continue sharing and celebrating love through all my interactions. I challenge you to find cute quotes and spread the love.

Together, we can create a ripple effect of love and kindness that extends far beyond special occasions, enriching the lives of others in meaningful ways.

Carol Musil

Carol Musil

Dean, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

Probably the most important thing to do is to pause for a moment and really pay attention to those who matter to you, whether they are family, friends, students or colleagues. And give them a smile—and maybe some chocolate.

Avery Ware

Avery Ware

Director, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center

This Valentine’s Day, I encourage our community to practice what [American author] bell hooks calls a “love ethic,” which is the practice of utilizing care, commitment, trust, responsibility, respect and knowledge within our everyday lives. When we do so in consideration with others, we are more keen to critically examine our actions, give care, be responsible, and have a disposition to learning.

J.B. Silvers

J.B. Silvers

Co-Dean, Weatherhead School of Management

Much the same as every other day—with respect, consideration, and mostly just by telling them! The last thing I say to a family member at every parting is “I love you.” And the first thing I say to my wife each morning is the same.

Kenneth Chance

Kenneth Chance

Dean, School of Dental Medicine

Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to display positive gestures of kindness, respect and hopefulness to others. Showing appreciation could be as simple as saying hello to those you see with a smile or buying someone lunch.

In response, they may extend gratitude to others as well. This is a time to establish and strengthen relationships that can mutually enhance our lives.

Harley Rubin

Harley Rubin

Master of Social Work student at Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences;  vice president of equity and inclusion, Graduate Student Council

I think a great way to celebrate and share love is by becoming involved in your community. As hard as it is to put yourself in new social situations, it feels so incredible to become part of a community that shares your values—whether it is identity-based, volunteering, political, sports, religious, or any other kind of community.

The organizations I’ve joined have brought so much love into my life. Sign up for something!