Love is the language that is built into our hearts and into our souls, yet it is not always spoken—-it is shown. Shown in the warmth of food that waits for us when we come home or in every cross of our braid that says I love you. Love never needs to be a grand gesture, but can be a quiet offer of “how can I help.”
Acts of service (AOS) is a language that many mistake for servitude. But it is far more than that. AOS is quiet, intentional gestures–folding a sweater, running an errand, or simply lighting a burden—that show love fully and freely, bring comfort and joy without ever asking to be treated as a servant. It is love that shows bliss through acknowledgment, effort, and actions louder than any sonnet Shakespeare has ever written.
“An act of service is when I go out of my way to help someone when they need it and take one thing off their list of things to do. An action that is performed to help someone to make their life easier or less stressful,” states Math teacher Mr. Alvarez, whose love language is giving AOS.
For Mr. Alvarez and for many others, love is not passive. It moves. I noticed. It responds. It drives us to notice the smallest details, the hidden frowns, and the sweet smiles. It is one of the deepest expressions of affection.
“An act of service is when someone notices what you need and puts in effort to help without being asked. It’s shown through intention, awareness, and effort, not because you have to, but because you want to,” exclaims sophomore Rayhan Jhutti, who is a giver and receiver of AOS.
AOS is love shown in action. What many consider bare minimum, to others (including myself), it is one of the greatest forms of love. To be loved through AOS is to be seen and cared for. To have recognized your needs before you speak them aloud.
AOS is the jack of the love langangues—it can become whatever kind of love you need in the moment. AOS is hidden within all every love language, quietly strengthening each one of them and letting them morph into tenderness one needs.
Making something by hand is gift giving and AOS. The gift is the object; the service is the effort behind it. Helping someone study, running errands with them, staying up late to finish something together is Quality time and AOS. Helping them take the burden off their shoulders well giving them support. Giving a massage when they’re tired is physical touch and AOS. It is touch motivated to tend to other people’s stress. Making them lunch with a note that says “I love you” is Words of Affirmation hidden in AOS.
“When you truly care about someone, the desire to make it known is something that naturally flows,” says junior Fatima Melgoza, who is a giver of AOS.
Yet every love language has its shadow. Receivers of AOS feel deeply loved yet unconsciously might feel like a burden. They worry that asking for help is selfish, or that the giver is sacrificing their precious time on them. Some even hesitate to accept help, fearing they will come off as needy or ungrateful. For Givers, there is a different weight: the fear of being seen as a servant, not being appreciated, being used for their kindness, and making their partner feel dependent and helpless. Yet, their actions come from the purest of intentions.
“Our actions demonstrate our authentic self which I believe is beautiful for it showcases how we are all unique in our own way and are deserving of love,” shares Melgoza.
AOS reminds us that love does not always arrive wrapped in words. It is not sugar coated with big expensive gifts. Nor is it touched without protection. Sometimes it is folded in effort, shaped by care and carried quietly. Like the array of paper mache flowers that were made under restless nights.
Because sometimes, love is not said. Sometimes, love is done.
