There are many different ways to express our feelings to the ones that we deeply care about. For example, many give gifts or spend time with those they love. Others may use the phrase “I love you” to explicitly show how they feel.
This phrase is often taboo, something many save for the “right time” to say, as to many, this term is very special and carries a lot of weight. But why is it normalized to put off saying these three words?
Oftentimes, people wait too long. They wait until the time is right, as they don’t want to spoil the importance or meaning behind the phrase. But sometimes, it’s too late, and they live to regret it.
A lyric from a song called “Pretty Sure” by Noah Floersch encompasses this feeling pretty well. It goes, “if I say something too soon, she might be a bit confused, if I say something too late, she could be gone, and I would hate myself for waiting.”
Of course, everyone has their boundaries, and couples should take the time to communicate and decide for themselves when they’re ready to say “I love you.” This should, again, be up to the couple, and they shouldn’t be shamed for how early or how late they feel comfortable saying it to each other.
When my boyfriend and I began saying “I love you” a month in, I was given a lecture from my father about how important the saying is and about how it was way too early, but for me, there are more important things than just a silly phrase.
I feel that physical touch and gift giving are more important and leave longer lasting impressions to me.
I say “I love you” to friends, family and my partner to express how much I care. To me, it’s not a huge deal because it’s how I feel. It’s a reminder that I am there for that person and that they are there for me.
Perhaps this waters down the saying a bit, but it still accurately describes my feelings about those around me.
If you want to tell someone that you love them, go ahead and do so. It could strike up a conversation about how important it is to each other or help the other person finally let out how they feel as well.
There is no harm in accurately expressing your feelings, even if they’re with three words that everyone has been taught to save for special occasions. Saying “I love you” could make a moment important and can strengthen the bond between people.
Everyone connects with people differently. Everyone feels for people differently. And everyone loves differently. So take the first step and freely tell those you deeply care about that you love them, because if not, you may live to regret it.
