Valentine’s Day is seen as a celebration of romance, but the way love and care are expressed can vary. It’s suggested that young couples express love through emotional closeness and symbolic gestures. Older couples, however, focus on stability, shared responsibility, and long-term support.
These patterns, however, aren't fixed and differ throughout individual relationships. This helps raise a question, are there differences in how young people and older adults show affection? For many teenagers, love is shown with attention and intention.
Junior Daniel Jacobo’s girlfriend means everything to him and they have been together for 10 months, first meeting in freshman year. Jacobo shares how he shows his gratitude, making sure he remembers what matters.
“Essentially, it’s about small details, you know? Remembering small things,” Jacobo said. “For example, I know what her favorite color is, favorite flower, her favorite band– they can alternate, and my time [making] gifts. I believe showing love and care is just, you know, being sweet, being compassionate, having empathy.”
While young love centers on thoughtful gestures and emotional closeness, it evolves over time. Older couples, like teachers at MCHS who have spent more time with their loved ones, show how one's affection deepens with experience.
P.E. teacher Matthew Curtis and his spouse met in 2014 and have been married for 12 years. Curtis shares how love is shown through both actions and words.
“I’m more action driven, so I try to take care of the house or fix things that break or do extra work to provide financially. I think words of affirmation are really important. Quality time, so just spending time together,” Curtis said.
For couples, love continues to grow stronger over time. Marriage is described as a sacred bond lasting a long time. However, how long can that last for? Math teacher Octavio Camacho and his spouse have been married for 28 years. Camacho shares that love is something steady that requires effort every day.
“She’s my friend, my team player, a good mother, a good wife, and a good person. I try to show my love and care by being supportive, understanding, being kind, and providing for her, and my daughter protecting them in any way I can,” Camacho said.
Camacho is a man true to his heart, being a good husband and great teacher, believing in loving others and the importance of compassion.
In this season of love it’s important to remember that love is more than just a feeling, but an idea that is shown through actions, commitment, and care across every stage of life.
