You Are Loved: How to Show Someone They Matter This Valentine's Week, and Every Day

When you think about Valentine's Day, candy hearts, roses, and cards come to mind. While it’s a fun day for many, it can also bring up feelings of loneliness. Often, the people who need to hear "you matter" the most feel completely invisible. This Valentine's Week, we have a simple but powerful way to change that.

Participate in our "You Are Loved" Campaign!

The "You Are Loved" student video project invites young people to record a short message, 30 seconds or less, reminding their peers that they are seen, valued, and loved. Videos can be recorded on your phone. You don't need to be on camera if you don't want to be. You just need to speak from the heart.

• Why does this matter? Because your voice might reach someone feeling completely alone. Someone scrolling late at night, wondering if anyone cares. Someone who's been invisible for so long they've started to believe it's permanent. Your message could be the one that reminds them they're wrong.

• How to participate: Submit your video through this form. It takes less time than watching a TikTok. Then share it with all of your friends and ask them to post it. Tell your youth group, sports team, or club. You never know who needs to hear it. Someone in your life might be quietly struggling, and this campaign could give them hope. 

Small Gestures, Enormous Impact

Feeling unseen is one of the most painful human experiences. When you feel like no one notices you, like you could disappear and it wouldn't matter, that loneliness becomes dangerous. You don't need to be someone's best friend or have perfect words to make a difference. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness have the biggest impact.

Here are simple ways to show someone they're valued:

• Send a genuine text checking in. Not just "hey," but something real, like "I noticed you seemed quiet today. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you."

• Leave a note. Slip a sticky note in someone's locker or backpack with a specific compliment. "Your presentation in class was really good" means more than you think.

• Sit with someone who's alone. At lunch, in class, at a game, loneliness feels heaviest in a crowd. Your presence matters.

• Follow up. If someone mentions they have a test coming up or they're worried about something, check in afterward. Being remembered feels like being loved.

• Share a specific reason you appreciate them. "I really appreciate how you always make people laugh when things get heavy," or "you're so kind to people, even when you're having a rough day."
  

These aren't grand gestures. They're tiny moments. But to someone feeling invisible, they can be everything.

When You're Worried About a Friend

Sometimes you notice something's off with someone you care about. Maybe they're withdrawing. Maybe they seem quieter than usual. Maybe they're making jokes about not being around anymore. Trust your gut; if something feels wrong, check in.

Warning signs to watch for:

• Withdrawing from friends and activities they used to enjoy

• Talking about being a burden or having no reason to live

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye in ways that feel final

• Dramatic mood changes or sudden calmness after being very depressed

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

• Looking for ways to harm themselves
  

Learn more about warning signs at 988lifeline.org/help-someone-else

What to say: "I've noticed you seem different lately. I care about you. What's going on?" Keep it simple and honest. Let them know you're worried because you care, not because you're judging. You don't need to have the perfect words or make grand gestures. Just let someone know they matter. 

What NOT to say:

• "You have so much to live for" (minimizes their pain)

• "Just think positive" (toxic positivity doesn't help depression)

• "Other people have it worse" (makes them feel guilty for struggling)

• "I know exactly how you feel" (makes it about you instead of them)
  

Who to tell: It's not your job to fix it, but you can connect them with someone who can help. Talk to a trusted adult: a parent, school counselor, teacher, coach, or another adult who cares. If you're seriously worried about their safety, tell their parents or guardians. 

Seize the Awkward is a great resource with tips to start the conversation.

Resources available 24/7:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime 988lifeline.org

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 crisistextline.org

• Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 thetrevorproject.org