Love in silence is absence. Not because the feeling isn’t there, but because feelings unspoken can wither like flowers never watered. Affection kept behind closed lips might feel noble or safe in the moment, yet to the one you love, it can appear as emptiness. And in the quiet, absence grows.
We often think love should be obvious, that our actions, small sacrifices, or quiet gestures speak loudly enough. But love languages are as unique as fingerprints. Some people need words; others crave touch, acts of service, shared experiences, or thoughtful gifts. What feels like a roaring declaration to you may feel like a whisper to them. That’s why expressing love is not just an option; it’s a responsibility. Love that remains hidden is like a letter never sent, its meaning and intention locked away, its impact forever lost. You might feel deeply, yet if the other person never hears, sees, or feels it in the way they understand best, the connection frays.
Silence, especially in relationships, is rarely neutral. It can breed doubt. It can plant seeds of insecurity. Over time, it can erode trust and closeness, leaving one partner wondering if the love was ever real. And perhaps the sharpest sting of all comes later, when you look back and realise the words you were too shy, too scared, or too proud to say will now never be heard. This is where my parents were complete opposites. Whereas my father struggled with expressing his emotions in general, and when he did, it was abrupt and clumsy, thereby creating a huge vacuum in our relationship. My mother’s love language, on the other hand, was loud, present, active, sometimes temperamental, but always present. So it was no surprise that I grew up having a very imbalanced relationship with my parents, who taught me both sides of the coin, and the life-long damage that can be created if silence is allowed to reign.
Expression doesn’t always mean grand gestures or dramatic speeches. It can be a steady stream of small affirmations, a look across the room that says “I’m proud of you,” a touch on the shoulder when words fail. But it has to be intentional. Because love, like light, cannot illuminate if it stays hidden.
So speak. Show. Give. Be brave enough to let your love be known in the way the other person can receive it. Your silence may protect you from vulnerability today, but it can cost you connection tomorrow. And in love, absence is rarely about someone leaving — sometimes, it’s about someone staying, yet never feeling seen.
FrogDiva Thoughts 