Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do. This simple shift in perspective, from passive emotion to active verb, is the secret to making love last.
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Meaning
At its core, this quote argues that love is an actionable commitment, not just a fleeting emotion. It’s a choice you make visible through your behavior.
Explanation
Look, we’ve all been there. You get comfortable in a relationship, the initial spark fades a bit, and you start to wonder, “Do I still love them?” The problem with that question is it frames love as just a feeling. And feelings are fickle. They come and go. Chapman is saying, stop waiting to *feel* loving. Start *acting* loving. It’s the doing—the small, consistent acts of service, the words of affirmation, the focused attention—that actually re-ignites and sustains the feeling. It’s a feedback loop. Action fuels emotion. It’s probably the single most practical piece of relationship advice out there.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Love (89) |
| Topics | action (112), expression (22), responsibility (55) |
| Literary Style | direct (414), minimalist (442) |
| Emotion / Mood | motivating (311), warm (182) |
| Overall Quote Score | 80 (256) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is a direct quote from Gary Chapman’s 1992 book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, which originated from his work as a marriage counselor in the United States. You sometimes see similar sentiments attributed to others, but this specific phrasing is unequivocally Chapman’s.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Gary Chapman (41) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts (41) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dr. Gary Chapman is a pastor/counselor who authored many books such as Five Love Languages which has transformed millions of relationships. He teaches families and couples on how to express love and care in ways that are understood. He holds multiple degrees from Wheaton, Wake Forest, and Southwestern Seminary, he blends scholarship with real-life counselling. For a quick overview of his works, check this Gary Chapman book list and find tips for better marriage, parenting, and personal growth.
| Official Website | Facebook | X| Instagram | YouTube
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Love is not only something you feel, it is something you do |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1992; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 9780802412706; Last edition: Revised Edition (2015); Number of pages: 208 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 5: Acts of Service, Approximate page 98, Revised Edition (2015) |
