Most of them either say it first or return a “‘love you, too”. Is there anything better than getting love from friends? Think about who you say this too in your life. Think about who you don’t say this to. Why does one friend or family member get the love and not another?
Bring on the love people:) Tell me right now if you want to be in my love circle of friends? Actually, as I finished writing that last sentence, I realize that it’s a precious few people that have got to the “love you” stage with me. We have to have been through some stuff to get there. Usually it’s time spent together or being there in hard moments. Family often gets “love you” gratis because they are family.
After writing this and taking inventory on those who get my “love you”, I am a C+ with my teenagers. I am going to try to get a B+ next year. Teenagers are tricky…some don’t want to hear it, especially around their friends. It’s almost as if it stings their Zoomer ears to have parents express love. Obviously I’m vetting some of my lived experience with my middle child.
Peace out, love ya’ll
SP
DALL-E: Here's the illustration of a bald, bearded 40-year-old father bringing a cup of tea to his teenage daughter, who is a dirty blonde with eye makeup, rolling her eyes with a smirk on her face while using her phone. The image portrays a sweet and playful family interaction.
Sometimes I swear you’re in my head!! “I love you” is an interesting game, one that we all need to be better at, one that I swore I’d be better at after losing a friend to mental health issues. Why does it feel weird sometimes?? It shouldn’t! I’m recommitting to improving. Thanks for the reminder!
“I love you” is a common word around my house. I say it to my wife and kids daily, even some of their friends, and of course my own friends. I have also had colleagues and partners that would say it. Once you become comfortable with it, you realize how many people in your life you really care about in that way. What’s interesting is how many people are accepting of it. There was that one kid at Arby’s drive through I said I love you. From the look on his face, I didn’t think I would get my chocolate shake.