15 ways to show you care this Valentine’s 

Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team, along with their partners, has issued a unique Valentine’s Day message directed at young people. This year, they emphasize that love, connection, and intimacy come in many forms, and that physical intimacy is not a necessity. The reminder encourages young people, particularly those aged 15 to 19, to value different aspects of relationships beyond what is often portrayed in media and social circles.

Young people frequently face pressure from social media, television, and peers, which can make Valentine’s Day seem focused solely on physical expressions of affection. However, many young people consider relationships as opportunities to build trust, share fun moments, foster friendship, and feel acknowledged. To reflect this broader understanding, Liverpool’s Public Health team highlights 15 meaningful ways to show someone you care, all validated by young people themselves.

Some of the top ways to express care include truly listening, sending spontaneous “thinking of you” messages, and respecting boundaries consistently. Others entail sharing music or videos, showing up during difficult times, laughing together, or simply walking someone home to ensure their safety. Supporting a person’s ambitions, spending relaxed time together without expectations, complimenting qualities beyond appearance, and checking on mental health are also pivotal. Importantly, being honest about feelings, honoring a “not yet” or “not ever” stance, creating shared memories, and allowing someone to be themselves are considered heartfelt actions.

Public Health Liverpool stresses that physical intimacy is never owed to anyone, and that taking relationships at one’s own pace is completely normal. Healthy relationships rest on respect, trust, and communication. The fundamental message is for Valentine’s Day—and every day—to revolve around choice, self-confidence, and feeling positive about oneself, regardless of relationship status. Young people seeking advice on relationships, consent, sexual health, or safety can find confidential support locally or online, including through services like Axess and their Young Person’s Service

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