I am no smooth operator. I usually don’t know what to say in those epic moments and often hold back. So when it comes to telling others how you feel, I get it, it’s not always so easy. And feeling like it needs to be made a big deal of makes it even harder to get around to it, or express it. But there’s no denying the power of telling someone how you notice or care about them. It’s a small thing on your part and it’s HUGE HUGE HUGE to the person receiving it.
The following are real-life sentiments I’ve experienced or told to someone else. You might recognize some of them happening in your mind, perhaps left unsaid:
- I’m not going anywhere.
- I love talking with you.
- I admire your bravery when you (did that really brave – or stupid? – thing).
- I’m sorry it’s so rough right now.
- I don’t care what we do, I’m really looking forward to hanging out with you!
- I love (this thing you made); it’s so (wonderful qualities about it).
- Before I met you, you were the girl with the vivid blue nail polish, and I said to myself “who wears blue nail polish?” I knew I had to meet you!
- You are really creative! (people really need to hear this one more and multiple times!)
- I love you. I adore you.
In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown wisely says that “Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection.” If we don’t reach out to something about something that matters deeply to us and make it known to them how much it matters, that thing dies and your connection with that person becomes static.
This is what I base my personal definition of “love note” on, this idea of valiantly telling someone how you feel about them. A “love note” is not just the romantic admission of adoration at a distance. No, to me, it’s that vulnerable moment when I write to a dear person to admit to noticing a detail that is touching, inspiring, lovely and perhaps even awkward but totally flattering. Acknowledging these little moments is an act of vulnerability that is deserving of the label “love note.”
To help make the artfulness of your expression easier, I’ve gathered up 24 of my favorite lunch note designs and had them professionally printed. They’re organized into four different themes: Imaginary Creatures, Wondrous Animals,Woman Wisdom and Sweet Boys. I would describe the size of these cards as “intimate.” They’re small and sweet. Just enough to say what you’re going to say and that’s it. Then leave it in a sneaky, creative place for your loved one to find in the normal course of their daily life.
