by L. Woodrow Ross

Created on: January 22, 2009

If love is genuine and individuals express it to one another with conviction, it is difficult to imagine that it could be stated to excess. In the case of children, the positive reinforcement of being told often that they are loved helps them to have a good self-image. Being told they are loved frequently provides a sense of security and belonging.

Even as adults, it is good to share our feelings. People often assume that others know how we feel and don't make the effort to verbally express their love. This can cause doubt for some individuals. Without verbal reinforcement, they may feel that they are taken for granted.

A good rule for parents is to make an effort to tell their children at least once a day that they love them. This will provide security and peace of mind that will make them better equipped to face life. It will ground them and help to prepare them to be better able to share their feelings with other when they mature.

When expressing your love in words, it is important to be sincere and let the recipient know that it is heartfelt. If they perceive that it is trivial and only "hollow" words, the importance will be diminished.

Rather than speaking the words, sometimes it is more meaningful to write a tender note. A verse of poetry or some words that have special meaning can share a thought that is special and dear to a loved one. Some people who have not been brought up in a loving environment may have difficulty speaking about love. If they begin by writing these words out it may help them to overcome these tentative feelings. Even a gift of a book of poetry with a note inside expressing your love is a good step in learning to express positive feelings. Another is a gift of flowers with a love note attached.

All humans have a need to be loved. If a person feels unwanted and unloved, they cannot be a complete and happy person. It leaves a void in their life that they strive to fill with work or some other means of expression. It can even lead to depression and have physical consequences.

There are many ways to express love, but the spoken word in one of the most important. Other aspects of the relationship must support the reality of that love for the words to have real meaning. Words alone are not enough, but they are an important part of any close relationship.

Don't fail to express in words what you feel in your heart for those you love. They will cherish the words of love that you share with them.

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