‘Veraa Loabivey’: Columnist Reflects on Love as the Foundation of Safety and Kindness

A new opinion column by Mohamed Shihab reflects on the Dhivehi phrase “veraa loabivey” (ވަރަށް ލޯބިވޭ), arguing that the expression — commonly translated as “to love to the utmost” — holds a far deeper meaning in the hearts of Maldivians. In the column, titled “Veraa Loabivey: The Foundation of Safety and Kindness,” Shihab writes that the phrase evokes the warmth of a mother’s comfort in a child’s moment of sorrow, the silent strength and reassurance of a father, and the care of a sincere friend who understands a difficulty without being told. Love, he argues, is not merely a feeling that arises in the heart but a force that builds a safe environment and is expressed through actions — patience when someone is downcast, listening before fault-finding, choosing forgiveness over anger, and giving courage to those who do not know their own worth. In such an environment, people stop hiding their true selves and begin to share ideas, admit mistakes, ask questions and seek help, he says. Shihab points to research supporting the importance of love and safety, including Harvard University’s nearly 85-year “Harvard Study of Adult Development,” which found that the most important secret to a long, healthy and happy life is strong relationships built on kindness and trust. He also cites Google’s “Project Aristotle,” which found that the most successful teams were not those with the most talented members but those with psychological safety, where people are not afraid of making mistakes. Findings by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson similarly show that mistakes can be corrected and creative, innovative ideas can emerge only in a fear-free environment built on love, respect and care, he writes. The column further notes that studies in positive psychology show kindness increases the production of oxytocin, the hormone that strengthens love and bonding — benefiting not only the receiver but also the giver, who gains peace and a sense of meaning. Shihab concludes with a call for everyone to listen to others, to pay attention to their feelings and hopes, and to do small acts of good without expecting anything in return — making every space a safe one that restores safety, respect and hope. “When a person receives safety and love, their life will blossom,” he writes.