The Devaluation of I Love You

Good afternoon all. I hope you are having a marvelous weekend so far. I am spending more quality time with my children. This quality time is what inspired today’s post.

While we were driving down the road, my 13-year-old daughter asked me, why do so many people say “I love you” and then break up a few days later? I was definitely not ready for this question. I thought about it for a while and finally told her that “I love you” are just words for many people. It broke my heart to have to say this to my child. First because I have taught her the true meaning of love and second because it made me truly think about the value of those three little words.

I am saddened that our world has so devalued these words that even my child can see their insignificance. Do not get me wrong, I believe in love. I also believe that these words have meaning. Unfortunately though, these words are very seldom backed up by actions anymore. I remember growing up how romanticized these three words were. I was told they were very special and should only be used for that special person in your life. Nowadays, these words have a completely different meaning.

Too often now “I love you” only signifies an interest in another person. It does not mean that they care or have deeper feelings for the other person. It is what people have come accustomed to say. It is like an obligatory response. Now to believe these words you have to look for the signs and cues that go with them.

How can we give value back to “I love you”? This can only be done through action. We have to show that we love the other person with the things we do, not just the words we say.

Buy your love flowers just because you thought of them, not because it is a special occasion. Write them a letter expressing your true feelings. Bring the romance back into the equation that is love. It is the small things that matter. The ones done from the heart that prove your true intent. Only with this type of follow through can we give meaning back to the words “I love you”.

The simple gesture of a flower on a summer morning can promote such intense emotion, when given from the heart. What kind of message are you sending? How do you show you truly love some one? Leave me your ideas in the comments section. I look forward to reading them all.

Remember always to inspire to be inspired and never give up on what you believe in. Success is not measured with a dollar sign but with the satisfaction in the eyes of those you inspire.