Have you noticed all the Valentine day merchandise now on clearance? Have you ever stopped to wonder, who picked that up and ALMOST bought it for that special someone but then got scared and put it back or maybe decided it was too deep or emotional or….. too something. What an interesting set of three little words that so many are so afraid of. We’re afraid of misinterpretation, not being loved in return, sounding foolish or needy, too insincere or too sincere.
Just days before Valentines Day I stood in front of the card aisle and watched the cards being picked over. I watched the faces of the readers as they evaluated each card for just the right level of emotion, humor or admiration. Some sincerely looking for what they wanted to say, others looking for the safest bet and my favorite….the lady who bought three. At which point I couldn’t help but ask what her plan was. She figured if she bought a variety and waited for him to give one to her first she could then decide which to give in return. An interesting plan. A safe plan. Definitely not an unabridged plan. It is a funny story but wouldn’t you feel better about yourself for just saying what you mean and what you feel and not worry so much about what others think? You can’t create intimacy, be it romantic or otherwise by holding back. And the less you hold back when it comes to love, (assuming you’re refraining from stalker level mentality of course ) the more love will find you even if it is from unexpected places.
So much craziness from just three words. I love my Grandma. I love God. I love myself, my children, my neighbors and my friends. Some of my loved ones I tell directly, some I do by helping out when needed. And yet, I know there are times that it goes untold or that I attempt to communicate these words in some covert way without the risk of rejection. Of course there are ways to say I love you without the actual words just as the words alone without actions aren’t really enough. So for Valentines Day and beyond…..love someone everyday.
