February, the month of hearts, flowers, and “I love you”. That word love has so many meanings and gets lots of use in our daily vocabulary. How can one word refer to family, friends, something we like a lot, and to a lover? Why is there only ONE word for so many connotations?
I used to date someone who became very offended when I told my girlfriend’s husband that I loved him. But I did. AND I loved my boyfriend. I tried to explain that the love I felt for my friend was a different love than what I felt for him. The more I tried to explain, the worse it got. My boyfriend was not pleased and left upset. But I did love them both, but differently. When I hugged my friend goodnight, should I have said, “Hey I like you a lot.” Or, “I really like you”?
What is the difference between like, love, and ‘in love’? If I polled 100 people, I think I would get 100 different answers. Does ‘in love’ always fade? Is it an infatuation, or a giddiness and glow that borders on obsession? If I like someone does that mean I do not want to spend tons of time with them, but when I do, it is fun? When I love someone do I take the good and the bad, and care about them through it all?
Because we overuse the word love, has it lost its meaning? A. I LOVE that shirt. B. I am not in love with you, but I love you. C. She is so funny; I love her! What are we really MEANING? Maybe that is what we truly need to focus on and then say what we mean: A. You look awesome in that shirt. I want one too. B. I am so upset with you right now. C. She is so funny; it is so cool how much I laugh when I am around her.
But this does not solve my dilemma about telling a friend or family member I love them. Maybe I could say, “I have feelings for you.” … And call it a day!
Faith Brower
Faith is the former President of Unity of Farmington Hills, an Empowerment Center of love, music to rock your soul, and laughter. UFH serves and empowers those searching for the Truth!
