I Love You

I love you.

Three simple words.

They can melt your heart. They can break your heart. They can make you smile. They can make you cry.

They can mean the world.....or nothing at all.

Some people say it because they genuinely mean it. Some people say it out of habit. Some people don't mean it when they say it. And some just don't even say it at all.

When my daughter says "I love you mama!" she doesn't know what it means, but she knows I tell her all the time, so she tells me. First thing when she wakes up next to me in bed, she says it. When I leave the room and she comes looking for me she says it. Actually, she tells everyone and everything that she loves them/it. She even hugs the car and says it.

My grandma will tell Layna that she loves her all the time. She never tells me.

My dad will only tell Layna he loves her if she says it first. He never tells me.

I've been in relationships where I was told those words and they didn't mean anything. They've been said many times so the guy could get what they wanted until they found something better.

I've had acquaintances roll it off their tongue like it was nothing to say to all their "friends". I've had family members say it in passing but never back it up with actions to prove it.

I love you.

Those three little words that are supposed to mean so much get tossed around on a daily basis with no true meaning.

If you truly do not love someone, with every fiber of your being, then don't say it!  Don't use those words for manipulation, to get what you want. Don't use those words with an empty meaning just because it's convenient, or everyone else is saying it. Don't lead someone on with empty promises and false hopes, only to dash as soon as you find something better.

If you do truly love someone, deep down in your heart, your soul, your every breath, then tell them. Don't hide it. Don't wait till it's too late. Show them in every way you can. Don't let them believe you don't care for them because you are too lazy to tell them or to show it.

I love you.

Three little words that can make or break your heart.