Every day in our house is like Valentine's Day. I've kept it

"Every day in our house is like Valentine's Day. I've kept it traditional with what my dad has done with my mom. Every morning, I get up and I make coffee and I bring Giuliana coffee in bed." These words, spoken by Bill Rancic, offer a simple yet profound insight into the nature of love and commitment. In a world often overwhelmed by grand gestures and fleeting moments of affection, Rancic’s daily act of making coffee for his wife, Giuliana, brings us back to a more enduring and meaningful definition of love. His tradition, learned from his father, reflects the essence of love that is not tied to one special day, but is woven into the fabric of everyday life. True love is not about performing for others on holidays but about the consistent, heartfelt actions that sustain relationships over time.

In the ancient world, the foundations of love were understood not in terms of grand displays but through daily acts of care. The Greeks celebrated love in many forms, with eros (romantic love) often seen as powerful and intense, yet philia (friendship) was considered one of the most profound and enduring forms of affection. In his writings, Aristotle emphasized that true friendship, and by extension true love, was based on mutual respect and daily support, not just on momentary excitement. Aristotle believed that the love that truly endures was one built on actions that showed commitment and care, not on romantic gestures alone. In much the same way, Bill Rancic’s simple morning ritual of bringing coffee to his wife every day is an act of love that speaks louder than any grand gesture could.

Consider the story of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and philosopher, whose relationship with his wife, Faustina, was deeply rooted in mutual respect and care. Marcus, though known for his military conquests and wisdom, never lost sight of the importance of nurturing his relationship with his wife. He would often refer to her as a source of strength and comfort in his writings, speaking not just of romantic love, but of the quiet moments of partnership that defined their life together. His words remind us that true love is about the consistent, everyday acts that bind two people together, not just the moments of passion or excitement. Rancic’s act of bringing coffee to Giuliana echoes this ancient understanding: that love is a practice, a ritual, something that is nurtured daily.

Rancic’s commitment to continuing the traditions of his father also speaks to the legacy of love. It shows that love is not only an individual pursuit but a family tradition passed down through generations. The acts that his father performed for his mother, simple yet full of love and care, have become the model by which Bill Rancic has chosen to live. This reflects a deeper truth about love—that it is not just about romantic attraction, but about building and sustaining a life together through small, everyday gestures that show respect, appreciation, and affection. The lesson here is that love is a living tradition, passed down and nurtured through the actions we take every day to show we care.

In a similar vein, we can look at the story of Hector and Andromache in the Iliad. Hector, the noble Trojan prince, fought bravely for his city, but his greatest love was for his wife, Andromache, and their son. In the quiet moments of the epic, we see Hector’s deep love for his family, shown not in heroic deeds, but in the tender concern he has for their future. Before he leaves for battle, he says goodbye to his wife and son, knowing that his return is uncertain. This moment, simple yet heart-wrenching, reminds us that love is not always expressed in external victories, but in the quiet moments of care, of ensuring that those we love are always thought of and cherished, even when life is uncertain.

The lesson here, both in the example of Rancic and in the wisdom of ancient figures, is clear: love is not about grand gestures on special occasions but about the everyday actions that show we care. In a world filled with external displays of affection, we must remember that the truest forms of love are the ones that persist through time, built on trust, consistency, and thoughtful care. The true test of a relationship is not how we perform on Valentine’s Day or how we express affection in a single moment, but in the routine acts of kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect we offer every day.

In your own life, embrace the simplicity and depth of daily acts of love. Like Bill Rancic, consider what small gestures you can incorporate into your daily routine to show your love for those who matter most. Whether it’s making a morning coffee, sharing a quiet moment, or simply asking how someone’s day went, these are the acts that build the foundation of lasting love. Let Valentine’s Day serve as a reminder not to focus on one day of the year but to make every day a celebration of the love that endures through dedication, respect, and thoughtful care. In this, you will create relationships that are not only passionate but sustainable, built on the small, everyday moments that show love in its truest form.