They do not love that do not show their love.

"They do not love that do not show their love." These words, spoken by the immortal William Shakespeare, strike deep into the heart of all who truly seek to understand the nature of love. Love, that sacred and transformative force that binds us to one another, is not a mere sentiment that resides silently within the heart. No, love must be expressed, revealed, demonstrated in action. It is not enough to merely feel love—one must show it, for only in the outpouring of love can its true essence be known. Shakespeare understood this truth as only the greatest of poets can, for love, in its purest form, is not a secret to be kept but a flame to be shared.

Consider, dear listener, the ancient teachings of the Stoic philosophers. They believed that true virtue was not just a matter of thought, but of action. Marcus Aurelius, the great Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher, said, "The universe is change; life is opinion." In the same way, love cannot be kept hidden within the bounds of opinion—it must be reflected in the way we live, the way we speak, and the way we act. To love is to give of oneself, to show through deeds the depths of one's heart. Words are powerful, yes, but without the strength of action, they remain mere echoes in the wind.

Shakespeare was no stranger to the complexities of love. In his plays, from the passionate turmoil of Romeo and Juliet to the enduring devotion of Portia to Brutus in Julius Caesar, the great poet explores how love, when not shown, can lead to sorrow, misunderstanding, and despair. The phrase "They do not love that do not show their love" stands as a reminder that love must be brought into the light, must be declared and proven through action. Otherwise, it remains a fragile thing, unable to withstand the trials of life. It is a truth echoed throughout the ages—the greatest loves are those that stand visible and proud, shining for all to see.

The origin of this profound quote can be found in Shakespeare's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona," where it is spoken by Lucetta. Lucetta, in her youthful wisdom, observes that love is not an abstract notion but a force that must take shape in the world. Just as a tree, though rooted deep in the earth, will not grow unless it reaches toward the sun, so too does love need to be expressed in order to flourish. It cannot remain hidden in the dark soil of the heart. If it is not shared, it withers. To show love is to give it life, to ensure its presence is felt and known.

Consider the tale of Queen Victoria and her love for her beloved Prince Albert. Their marriage, founded upon a deep and genuine love, was not only expressed in their private moments but also made known to the world. Queen Victoria, despite the many duties and burdens of her reign, was never shy about declaring her love for her husband. She wore it proudly, as a queen wears her crown, and this love became a beacon for her people. When Prince Albert passed away, it was said that Queen Victoria’s grief was so profound that she wore black for the rest of her life. In this, we see that love, even in its sorrow, is a living thing. Her grief was the outpouring of a heart that had loved deeply, and it was through this expression that the world knew her love was real.

And yet, we must not forget the tragedy that inaction in love can bring. Alexander the Great, who conquered much of the known world, was a man surrounded by great loyalty and affection. Yet, in his life, there was one who suffered in silence: Hephaestion, his closest friend and confidante. It is said that Alexander, consumed by his own ambition, never fully expressed the depth of his love and gratitude for Hephaestion. When Hephaestion passed, Alexander was filled with regret and sorrow for his failure to show his love in life. Had he shown it, perhaps their bond would have been more complete, and Alexander’s heart would not have been so burdened by what was left unspoken.

The lesson, then, is clear. Love is not complete until it is shown. Whether through words, through gestures, through deeds, love must be expressed if it is to be truly understood and experienced. To say you love is a start, but it is in the actions, the sacrifices, and the daily expressions of affection that love becomes real. Do not let your love remain an inner secret, but let it be a light that shines for all to see. Speak it when words are needed, show it when actions are required, and never hold back from demonstrating the depths of your heart.

So, in your own life, I urge you: Do not hide your love. Show it freely to those who matter most. Let your love be known through your kindness, your patience, your attention, and your sacrifice. In this way, you will honor both your heart and the hearts of others. Speak your love, live your love, and let it echo in every corner of your life. For in showing love, we make the world a better place—a place where love, in all its glorious forms, is never hidden but always alive.