by Melody Phillips

Created on: January 11, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2010

Yes, the words "I Love You" can be said to much. Many people may find this surprising however, these three little words carry a great deal of responsibility which many, who say these words, are not prepared to commit too. These three little words are extremely powerful for the one hearing them as well. Sometimes the person hearing these words isn't ready to take on such responsibility. There of course are exceptions, but even so an individual who says the words "I Love You" and hears the words "I Love You" both need to define what is exactly meant or expected in order to feel or be the recipient of this deep emotion.

I say these words daily to my children, the boundaries and the expectations were shared from years of caring and providing for them. I do not use the words to guilt them into thinking the way I want them to. They know I say the words and they say them back because it is truly felt. Nothing has to be given in order for them to earn my love, just their existence is enough. However in most relationships, husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends or any relationship outside of family the words "I Love you" must be earned. If they are not earned the words are not usually said.

Earning the words "I Love You", saying the words "I Love You" can be dangerous. To tell another person you love them is putting that person on a pedestal. A pedestal in which the person can easily fall from. Ground rules are required. Most people say or may even feel the love they have for another person is unconditional, but unconditional love, especially outside of families, does not exist. The words "I Love You" are taking away when the person saying them is angry, or feels the words have not been earned. The words were said in haste and not really meant, once a person loves another person those feelings do not go away no matter what that person does.

"I Love You", these words should not be said all the time. They should be felt. As parents feel them for their children, as most children feel them for their parents. The words are used way to much, to gain something, to cover up guilt, or just to be said. Loving someone is a wonderful gift, being loved back is wonderful, to destroy the gift using the three little words that could not possibly convey the true emotions is a waste. Everyone in the world uses the words "I Love You", they truly have lost there true meaning. They are now more like a catch phrase such as, "Cool" or "that's awesome". These three little words are words and that is all. True love cannot be taken away, it cannot fall from grace, once love is there it is always there. There is no such thing as taken the emotion back. People who say "I Love You" should try to live without saying the words for a month see what could be done to replace them. The words are to easy, the challenge is conveying the feelings.

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