Interviews

Faith Dalzell: Education Studies and Business (Public Service and Public Policy) Major, Sophomore, Honors Teaching Assistant at ASU

Findings: I chose Faith because she is a single, hard-working woman and I wanted to know her input on self-love. She states that self-care is key to personal happiness. Taking weekly baths and getting her nails done are some she treats herself to some positivity. When she's feeling down, she says it's best to listen to family and friends. If they can tell something is off with you, maybe you're not giving yourself enough credit or attention. As someone who is her own worst critic, Faith says being a perfectionist how she gets work done best. She also gives credit to her sorority sisters for giving her female role models and great friends to help her through those rough days. When I asked her about her dating life she replied, "open-minded and positive, but it's never a priority." Her work comes first, and a boyfriend, when available, comes second.

Dan Montes de Oca: Boyfriend, freelance contractor and entrepreneur

Findings: I am biased, but I chose to interview Dan because he's been in a happy relationship for three years. Dan says support goes a long way both physically and emotionally. Being there for people when they need it without asking for a service back, is how people can show love in their daily lives. The environments people provide you with can really help curate a sense of comfort and love. As a male partner, all he is really looking for is unconditional love. There are different needs on different days, and he really wants the support of someone who is willing to be there no matter what. However, with that, he says support might need adjusting in order to provide the right kinds of love to that person when they need it. Listening too, he says is a category of its own. It takes two people to make a relationship work and if you can listen as much as you talk, you're doing okay.

Madeline Manzanet: Mother of two, wife of 21 years, and event manager of a non-profit organization

Findings: Madeline says touch is a great way of showing someone you are there. Passing by her husband with a quick pat on the back is a way for her to show him she's always there. As a military spouse, she tries to make time to listen and understand what his days are like so she can support him in and outside of the office. Morning texts, favorite food, silly conversations are also little ways to keep the spark going. Making time to spend with others and her kids are also ways she shows her love. When she's out she might buy a small token to let someone know she was thinking about them. With lots of long-distance friends and family simple "touches" like "Thinking of you" texts can really make someone's day. If you've missed someone's birthday, she says, it's never too see each other and have quality time.

Liann Manuel: Community Health/Pre-Nursing Major at ASU, sophomore, volunteer

Findings: I chose Liann because she is very conservative about showing her feelings. I was curious as to how she might shine a different perspective on how love is shown or given. She says spending time with friends is mostly the way she shows love. She's pretty good at keeping in contact and keeping up with people throughout their lives. Liann is a military child and often Facetimes, texts, and sends memes to her friends when far away to let them know she's thinking about them. She's not the type of person to need physical attention but prefers humor as the best bond to have with someone. Lastly, she says with friends it is best to be comfortable and trust people with their vulnerabilities even if you aren't the person to show them yours.