Those 3 Little Words

On June 27, 2010 · 4 Comments

How is it that families can get to that point where no one says I love you.

My guess is that they don’t even notice. Slowly in little ways the threads of love are stretched. Fraying and pulling. And when they snap no one even notices. At some point you look back and it’s already gone.

What then?

Do you just go on letting it happen, knowing that this isn’t what you wanted. Wondering if they “really” know you love them.  Some do.

But some people want a change. Want that difference. It’s hard, putting yourself out there. Taking the chance that your heart might be hurt. If it’s that important, though, you’ll take the plunge.

After such a distance, those words will sound foreign and awkward. But that’s the hardest part, the first time. Once that wall is down it’s easier to slip into conversations. It has a chance to return.

We live in a world where I love you carries as much love with it as it does fear and anxiety. It isn’t supposed to be that way.

I am determined to teach my son love. To give it freely. To make it cost nothing to him. I’m sure there are days that I will fail at this. But, my prayer is that I won’t forget to tell him he’s loved. I’ll go back and make it right after my mistakes.  And someday, he’ll pass on that love. I don’t want to be the family that doesn’t say “I love you.”

Who do you need to say those 3 little words to today?

 
  • Angie

    Great post – and ohh so true! My family is not the kind that just says "I Love You" all the time, we just 'know'. I'm also determined to make sure that our son is surrounded by those words and that there is nothing awkward in saying them.

  • Sharon Cohen

    I love your commitment to your son – to teach him "To give it freely. To make it cost nothing to him."

    For me? There is not one conversation with family members and close friends that does not end with "I love you". It took many years before I could freely tell my dear friends "I love you". I am learning to never hold back because some days it makes all the difference in the world – to them and to me.

    Everyone needs to hear that someone loves them. Don't leave the task of filling that need to those who are too frightened to speak.

  • MomRoad

    That's so true and definitely a learning experience. I'll keep at it though!

  • MomRoad

    Learning to do it with my family has been more of a lesson than with my son. Babies are just so easy to say it to. But moms and dads, where you didn't grow up in that type of family… that's another thing. We're learning though. It's amazing how it all starts to change when just one person makes the conscious effort.