In a school filled with homework deadlines, sports practices, and social pressure. Students are finding meaningful ways to express their care for one another during Love Week.

By: Leslie Nunez

For many, it comes down to something called “love languages,” the different ways people give and receive affection.

One student, Faith Avila, ’27, shared that physical touch and words of affirmation make her feel more appreciated, especially when someone acknowledges her feelings and reminds her how much she matters.

Small gestures, Avila says, can turn an ordinary day into something unforgettable.

Avila shares a moment where expressing love languages immediately made her day. “One time when I was having a bad day, my boyfriend brought me a drink from Starbucks without telling me, and I thought it was very sweet of him.”

Another student, Maly Moua, ’27, also shared her perspective on love languages and why she believes they matter.

Moua explained that she does believe in love languages because they show how to truly appreciate a partner or friend. For Moua, giving gifts is her main love language

She said she prefers to give love through gifts such as money, plushies, or clothes because it shows that someone put thought and effort into making her feel special.

One moment that stood out to her was when her friends surprised her with a camera for her birthday.

“My friends got me a camera for my birthday, and I felt really appreciative and really felt their love through that camera,” Moua said.

When Moua was asked what advice she would give other students about showing they care, she emphasized the importance of checking up on friends regularly.

Moua also suggested going on “friend dates,” grabbing coffee, and taking time to talk whenever possible.

Through different love languages, whether it’s words, touch, thoughtful gifts, or quality time. Rangers continue to find simple but meaningful ways to show appreciation for one another.

A third student, Alyssa Moles, ’27, agreed that love languages play an important role in relationships.

She said she believes in love languages and identified gift giving as her main one.

However, she also shared that she loves spending time with people, showing that quality time is just as meaningful to her.

When she was asked about a moment that made her feel appreciated, she reflected on a time when her friends supported her during a difficult period in her life. Their presence and support meant everything to her.

“My friends were always there for me whenever I was struggling,” she said, describing what made her feel truly valued.

Moles’ advice to other students was simple but powerful. “Never be afraid to help someone. Even the smallest gesture can brighten someone’s day,” she said.

Nicole Puga, ’27, also shared her thoughts on love languages.

When asked if Puga believes in them, she responded yes. She explained that her main love language is words of affirmation.

Puga prefers to receive love and appreciation through compliments and kind words that uplift her.

A moment that made Puga feel especially appreciated was when her best friend threw her a surprise birthday party for her 16th birthday.

“My best friend threw me a surprise birthday party. I love her so much,” she said. The effort and thought behind the celebration truly made her feel loved and appreciated.

Puga offered heartfelt advice to her peers about expressing care and appreciation towards others. She said, “Just check up on your friends or family and show them love any chance you get. Tomorrow isn’t always promised.”

Kevin Rubio, ’27, shared a thoughtful and reflective perspective on the topic.

Rubio said he genuinely believes in love languages and identifies his love language as physical touch, as it helps him feel connected with others.

For Rubio, affection is best communicated through comforting gestures such as hugs, hand-holding, or simply sitting close to someone he trusts.

These small physical reminders create a sense of security and reassurance that words sometimes can’t fully express.

Rubio also explained that he values appreciation more than love itself. In his opinion, love can sometimes feel temporary, but appreciation represents consistent acknowledgement and respect.He prefers knowing that someone truly sees him and recognizes his worth, and truly values his presence rather than expressing affection without deeper meaning.

When asked about a moment that made Rubio feel especially appreciated, he shared that receiving a compliment about his experience stood out to him.

Although it may seem simple, he described how that recognition boosted his confidence and reminded him that thoughtful words can have a long-lasting impact.

Rubio’s advice to fellow students focuses on empathy and respect. He believes that showing someone you care could mean the world to them, even if you don’t immediately see the effect. He also emphasized the importance of respecting everyone, even those who may not always show you the same amount of respect, because you never truly know what someone else may be going through.

Rubio said, “Respect is one of the most valuable ways to demonstrate care and maturity.”

Xavier Legaspi, ’27, shared that he strongly believes in love languages and how each person can naturally favor one over another.

For Legaspi, acts of service stand out the most to him because he genuinely enjoys doing things to brighten someone’s day.

Whether it’s helping with a task, offering support, or going out of his way to make life easier for someone, he feels that actions often speak louder than words. Although he loves serving others, he also appreciates when that same effort is returned.

Legaspi shared that even something as simple as a hug or someone doing a small favor for him can completely change his mood.

One moment that truly stood out to him was when a few of his friends randomly checked up on him and gave him hugs.

Legaspi explained that their unexpected kindness didn’t just make his day, but it made his entire week.

His advice to other students is, “consistently check up on your friends, offer compliments, give hugs, and make a conscious effort to spread positivity.”

Legaspi believes there is already so much negativity in the world and that choosing to spread love instead can create a powerful ripple effect.

As these students share their experiences, one theme becomes clear. Love languages are less about grand gestures and more about intentional care.

Whether it’s an act of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift giving, or quality time. Each perspective highlights the importance of understanding how others feel valued.

In a world that can often feel rushed or overwhleming taking the time to check in, offer encouragement, or lend a helping hand can make a lasting difference.

At the end of the day, it’s not about how big the gesture is, it’s about the meaning behind it.

Through simple but sincere actions, Rangers continue to build communities rooted in empathy, appreciation, and genuine connection.

Avatar photo
Leslie Nunez
+ posts

Leslie Nunez '27 is a student life assistant editor and this is her second year in journalism. She joined journalism to improve her writing, meet new people, and give students a chance to have their voices and stories heard.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,