Go Out and Love Somebody (Yes, Even You, You Loveable Disaster)Listen, I know what you’re thinking: Love? In this economy?

But hear me out. Love isn’t just grand, it’s necessary. And I’m not talking about the Hallmark-movie, slow-motion-run-through-a-field kind of love (though if that happens to you, congrats, you live in a rom-com). I’m talking about the raw, real, sometimes messy but always beautiful act of choosing to love people—romantically, platonically, wildly, tenderly, however your heart desires.

So yes, I am formally inviting you to go out and love somebody today. Not in a creepy, “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy” way. (We all remember how that song ended.) I mean in a way that is meaningful, intentional, and actually good for your soul.

Love Like a Golden Retriever on a Mission

Look, have you ever met a golden retriever that doesn’t love? (I have only met 2 my entire life, RIP Yankee, & a girl I talked to had one) They are just out here, living their best lives, handing out joy like its free samples at Costco. That could be you. You could be the human version of that.

The world is full of reasons to be cynical. Rent is high, your inbox is overflowing, and the last person you texted left you on read so long ago you’re basically a historical document (Me!). But you know what’s cooler than being bitter? Being the person who chooses to love anyway.

How to Love Without Losing Your Mind (or Dignity)

1. Start with yourself. No, really. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and if your idea of self-love is scrolling TikTok until your phone dies on your face, it might be time for a little upgrade. Take yourself on a date. Say something nice to your reflection. Remember that you are worthy of the same kind of love you give to others.

2. Tell people how you feel. Do you have a friend who makes your day better just by existing? TELL THEM (I tell JJ all the time he is THE BESSSTEST). Is your partner the reason you can tolerate Monday mornings? SAY IT. Humans are bad at assuming we’re loved unless someone actually says it out loud.

3. Be weird about it. Write a heartfelt letter, send a dumb meme that reminds you of them, show up with their favorite coffee just because. Love doesn’t always have to be deep, poetic, and drenched in metaphors. Sometimes it looks like “I saw this ridiculous cat video and thought of you.”

4. Forgive, but don’t be a doormat. Love and boundaries are best friends. Loving someone doesn’t mean tolerating bad behavior. It’s okay to love from a distance. It’s okay to let go. But when you can, choose grace.

5. Don’t be afraid to go all in. I get it—love is scary. It’s like putting your heart in a FedEx box and hoping it arrives safely. But playing it safe is overrated. Risk feeling something real. Risk looking a little foolish. Risk letting someone in. Worst-case scenario? You learn. Best case? You love and are loved in return.

Your Homework: Love, Right Now

Before you finish reading this, I want you to do one thing: pick someone and love them intentionally today.

• Text your best friend and tell them they’re the human version of sunshine.

• Hug your kid like they just won an Oscar.

• Kiss your partner like it’s a movie montage.

• Call your mom before she has to remind you.

• High-five a stranger (but, like, get consent first).

Just do something. Love in the smallest ways. Love in the big, reckless, messy, “I refuse to give up on the world” kind of way.

Because, honestly? The world needs it. You need it. And whether you believe it or not, someone out there needs your love, right now.

Now go, you magnificent, golden-retriever-hearted human. Love like you mean it.