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THE DEVALUATION OF I LOVE YOU
Private Notes
Private Notes
Notes
Good afternoon all. I hope you are having a marvelous weekend so far. I am spending more quality time with my children. This quality time is what inspired today's post.
While we were driving down the road, my 13-year-old daughter asked me, why do so many people say "I love you" and then break up a few days later? I was definitely not ready for this question. I thought about it for a while and finally told her that "I love you" are just words for many people. It broke my heart to have to say this to my child. First, because I have taught her the true meaning of love and second because it made me truly think about the value of those three little words.
I am saddened that our world has so devalued these words that even my child can see their insignificance. Do not get me wrong, I believe in love. I also believe that these words have meaning. Unfortunately though, these words are very seldom backed up by actions anymore. I remember growing up how romanticized these three words were. I was told they were very special and should only be used for that special person in your life. Nowadays, these words have a completely different meaning.
Too often now "I love you" only signifies an interest in another person. It does not mean that they care or have deeper feelings for the other person. It is what people have come accustomed to say. It is like an obligatory response. Now to believe these words you have to look for the signs and cues that go with them.
How can we give value back to "I love you"? This can only be done through action. We have to show that we love the other person with the things we do, not just the words we say.
Buy your love flowers just because you thought of them, not because it is a special occasion. Write them a letter expressing your true feelings. Bring the romance back into the equation that is love. It is the small things that matter. The ones done from the heart that prove your true intent. Only with this type of follow-through can we give meaning back to the words "I love you".
The simple gesture of a flower on a summer morning can promote such intense emotion when given from the heart. What kind of message are you sending? How do you show you truly love someone? Leave me your ideas in the comments section. I look forward to reading them all.
Remember always to inspire to be inspired and never give up on what you believe in. Success is not measured with a dollar sign but with the satisfaction in the eyes of those you inspire.
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This is so important, thank you for sharing!
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I am saddened that our world has so devalued these words that even my child can see their insignificance. Do not get me wrong, I believe in love. I also believe that these words have meaning. Unfortunately though, these words are very seldom backed up by actions anymore.
So true. A lot of people use it as damage control now. The phrase seems so convoluted now, and can be used to manipulate people, and even skew their idea of love. -
How can we give value back to "I love you"? This can only be done through action. We have to show that we love the other person with the things we do, not just the words we say.
THIS! Just like a true apology is changed behavior. Your actions have to back up your words. I also believe, "It is the small things that matter." That truly is what love is, and that's how we should truly look at life, appreciating the little things. They are what make live beautiful. I also love what you stated about success. This is a great thought-provoking and eye-opening article that we can all learn from. -
How can we give value back to "I love you"? This can only be done through action. We have to show that we love the other person with the things we do, not just the words we say.
I think this is the key to "I love you". If actions don't back up the words, they're pretty much meaningless. Caring for someone, spending actual time with them, helping out without expecting anything in return, that's love to me (and many other things). Thanks for sharing Mary!-
Thank you, Tomas. I agree with you completely. Thank you for your continual support.
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I disagree that the words have lost their value, instead I think we give our love more freely and that is beautiful. We are more open and willing to love and not treat it like something rare, because we should share when we love. But i do love expressions of affection through thoughtful actions.
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Kiersten, I do agree that people give their love more freely. Where I find that love has been devalued is in the use of it for people who are barely dating as a way to show affection. This is a strong word for mere affection. Also, in the way that one will tell someone, I love you as a way of holding onto something they know is not there. In this way, people are just using the words for their own gain. This, in turn, causes more pain than it causes happiness. It is like putting a bandaid on a cut that needs stitches. It may cover the whole but does not fix the underlying problem. I do agree with you though that loving more openly and being willing to give your love to someone is a marvelous thing. If it is done for the right reason.
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Thank you for sharing your story. Love is very important to everyone.
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Thank you for your support, Loretta. I agree that love is something we all need in our lives. No matter the form we choose it to be in. Have a fantastic week.
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This is such a great point, Mary. It breaks my heart that your daughter had to ask that question in the first place. She is very observant and aware of her surroundings. I'm glad that you are teaching her what love is and that the phrase "I love you" is not something you say or take lightly.
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Carrie, thank you for your support. I agree that it is terrible that our children are learning these sad truths at such a young age. I think teaching them the real value of our choices and the feelings we put forth is a necessary part of life. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her. Have a marvelous week.
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Thank you, Ceara, for reading. Have a wonderful week.