These Four Words Mean More than ‘I Love You’

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. — Maya Angelou

At the heart of this profound truth is care.

We spend so much of our lives searching for love — longing to hear the words “I love you” as if they are the ultimate expression of connection. But love, as powerful as it is, is a feeling. Feelings come and go. What truly stays with us is how someone made us feel through their actions, their presence, and their care.

That’s why “I care about you” holds more meaning than “I love you.” Because care is something you do, not just something you feel.

Love Is a Feeling — Care Is an Action

Love can be overwhelming, beautiful, and intense. It can consume us in moments of passion, spark with chemistry, and make us feel alive. But love alone does not nurture, support, or protect. Love is an emotion — care is what turns that emotion into something lasting.

Caring means:

• Showing up when someone needs you, even when it’s inconvenient.
• Listening — not just hearing words, but truly understanding.
• Remembering the small details, like their favorite coffee order or what calms them…