It’s approaching the day on the calendar when the words “I love you” are spoken more than any other time of year.
Did you ever think about what it means to say “I love you”? There’s a passage in scripture known as “the love chapter.” It tells us that love is patient and kind; not jealous, boastful, proud, rude, demanding, or easily irritated. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
According to that definition, if I tell someone “I love you,” I’m declaring that I see myself as living up to a very high standard with that person. Looking at it that way, saying “I love you” could almost seem a bit prideful.
Perhaps a greater (and more appropriate?) compliment is for me to tell someone “You love me.” By doing so, I’m saying “I see your patience, your kindness, your humility, your faith and hope in me, and your loyalty to our relationship.”
Thankfully, there are family and friends for whom I have very special feelings. I think this time around I’ll try something new. Instead of saying “I love you,” I’ll give those people a call, write a note, or send an e-mail with a different message.
In fact, maybe it would be good for each of us to approach that special someone … gaze wistfully into his or her eyes and whisper sincerely: “You love me.”
A counter-intuitive take on the nature of love. It reminds me of a line from an old Paul McCartney song – “Maybe I’m amazed at the way you love me all the time.” Thanks for this, Steve – it made me take a fresh look.