1. I hope you know that your worth as a human has nothing to do with your marital status. Whether or not your are single, married, divorced, widowed – I hope you know that you are worthy, you have value, and you are loved.

2. Love comes in different forms, in different packages, and in different moments. Not everyone shows love the same way, and not everyone receives it the same way, either. Pay attention to what you need, and pay attention to what those around you need, too.

3. It’s ok to need people.

4. It’s ok to need space, too.

5. Just because people need space, or time alone, doesn’t mean that they don’t love you. Sometimes silence is the best breathing room. And we all need to breathe.

6. Breathe before you respond to being hurt or neglected. Making assumptions about someone’s intentions is often a bad idea. Give someone the space and the grace to explain themselves and to make a grand gesture if the situation calls for it.

7. Romance isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s often the little moments of love that hold the most meaning – it’s there where we find the raw pieces of a person’s heart and soul. And those pieces are always something to be treasured.

8. Treasure the relationship you have with yourself. It’s the only one you’ve got – and the more you know the needs and wants of your own heart, the more you’ll be able to give to those around you.

9. Look at the people who are around you – do you love them? Have you told them? I’m not talking about a marriage proposal. I’m talking about telling your friends, your people, your tribe that you love them, and appreciate them, and are grateful for them. Life’s too short to keep love locked up.

10. Loosen the locks around your heart. Love is scary, but it’s also enthralling, and beautiful, and the very thing that makes life worth living. Let your love out.