I Love You, Love You, Love

I apologize in advance if some of what I say you may not find particularly true, or if you cannot relate with what I am going to say. This is just some random observations that formed a semi-coherent thought. And that thought is actually continued in this blog post.

I am in a relationship, and I am bold enough to say, as a couple we've told each other our feelings, with this sacred, and sometimes harrowful words, "I love you.". Movies and books have revolved around those three simple words, none of which extend beyond on syllable, but mean SO much... depending.

Three phrases, each phrase containing the word love in it, "I love you.", "Love you.", and "Love". And each of those phrases can have very different meanings.

I'll start with the longest (3 words) phrase, "I love you.". "I love you.", such an easy phrase to say out loud, by yourself. Try it now, say those three words in succession with each other to form a sentence. It's not tough by any means, but guys (and girls) choke up, feel sick, or are rendered speechless when they hear those words or when they are trying to say them. That's how much that one single phrase impacts us. It's a big step forward in a relationship, usually an affirmation of feelings but also sometimes said in hope that a relationship will last longer. A desperate measure, used sometimes by men to try to hold onto a relationship. But the latter part is not what I am focusing on, just indicating the impact it can potentially have. They can be said anywhere; shouted out from the top of a cliff, or whispered softly into the ear of the one you love. Either way, it's a show of emotion.

You knock off the word "I", and you are down to "Love you.". This phrase is used often when you are simply reminding someone that you love them. This happens a lot in relationships that have been going on for some time (a year or two) and couples say it so frequent that it has gone from a term of endearment, to a everyday, couple-y thing to say to your beau or lover.

"-Love you! Bye!" *click*

Such a common phrase, if you didn't recognize it, it was the end of a phone conversation. Said often to friends and family, where an "I love you." is hardly ever appropriate, unless something tragic or emotional has happened, and the "I" is added to the phrase. But normally it is used to indicate your feeling to a friend or family. In the friend or family case, the significant of the phrase doesn't change drastically and is a common and easy thing to say. In a relationship it signifies the comfort level of the couple, among other things.

Then you have "Love". You mostly see this in emails and letters, as a farewell at the end of the message.

"Love, Noelle."

This phrase is often used as an indicant of the level of friendship between two friends. The "love" means "we're tight" or "we've been through a lot together". In a relationship, it shows that you care about that person. If he/she were to sign their name without the love, it doesn't mean much, but if they do sign with "love" I am sure you feel a lot warmer inside by reading it. They love you.

It's interesting to see how such small phrases can have such a different impact on peoples' lives. If I were to sign this blog with "Love, Kevin", the guys might think I was gay, and the girls might think it's a cute gesture. It's not 100% the case, but there is truth in the previous sentence. And it was just one word.

Do you have to say "love you" everytime you leave the arms of the one you love? No. "See you soon.", if said correctly, can have close to the same meaning as "Love you".

These phrases can be overused. Try not saying them for a while, or as often, and then when you finally do decide to say "I love you.", "Love you.", or "Love" you might find that the words have more meaning.

Ciao for now.