You know, love isn’t always about big, dramatic gestures. Most of the time, it’s in the little things, the squeeze of a hand, a soft smile, whispering someone’s name. When you’re caring for someone with dementia, saying “I love you” can feel complicated. Sometimes they don’t respond. Sometimes it’s like the words disappear into the air. And that can hurt a lot. But here’s the thing, it doesn’t mean the love isn’t there. It doesn’t vanish. I think of a woman who visited her husband every single day. At the end of each visit, she whispered, “I love you, darling.” Most days, he didn’t say it back. She would leave feeling a little empty, wishing he could hear her. Then, one day, 10–15 minutes after she had gone, a caregiver heard him softly say, “I love you too.” It wasn’t said to her face, but it didn’t matter; the love was still there. Quiet, real, and very much alive. That’s what I want people to remember: even when dementia changes how someone responds, your love still reaches them. Every kind word, every gentle touch, every moment of presence—it stays with them. It matters. So say it. Say “I love you.” Say it often. Hold hands. Sit together. Smile. Laugh. Read a story. Sing a song. All those little moments keep your connection alive. Love doesn’t disappear. It stays. Always.