Love. A single word is supposed to capture all the happiness, exhilaration and devotion you have for the people in your life. It's used to express how you feel about the man you chose to marry " and that new lotion you adore.
It does seem strange that love is used to describe such a wide range of things in life. Doesn't it water the potency of it all when you can love hitting all green lights when commuting home, but you also love your children? In a time where this little phrase is just that - a little phrase - it's time to stop making these five "I love you" mistakes and really mean what you say.
1. A loving manipulator
"I loooooooove yoooouuu" is said in a sing-songy voice and a slightly taunting tone for this mistake. After asking your beloved to do you a favor, this declaration quickly follows. Though true, the "I love you" is overshadowed by an attempt to get something that you want. Service may be an act of love, but don't use your loving in order to cross something off your to-do list.
2. Love is spelled "(dinner)T-I-M-E"
Be careful of overusing the word love to describe anything and everything. It's sweet when you are told you're loved, but not so sweet when, soon after, the same expression of love is used to describe the extra fortune cookie found in the take-out order. Use the word appropriately to avoid hurt feelings.
3. The "please stop talking" method
Things were going well on the first date, but the brazen "I love you" actually ruined dessert (which you didn't think was possible "¦ how could dessert be ruined?). "I love you" should be heartfelt and honest, but not creepy. Slow things down to make sure you understand the gravity of saying how you feel.
4. Can you pass the popcorn?
It can be nerve-wracking to say "I love you" for the first time to someone special in your life. But instead of uncomfortable silence or a returned reply, an offhanded "yeah, me too" is his or her response. Romanticism was dashed as your declaration was treated as an interruption during a movie. Though he or she didn't disagree with your love, the casual acknowledgement of such a powerful expression is better left unsaid. It is perfectly OK to not be ready to return an "I love you," but be careful and appropriate about your response.
These four mistakes take "I love you" lightly, not understanding what sort of magnitude this phrase can hold. While these mistakes are cringe-worthy, we saved the worst mistake for last.
5. The WORST mistake
The biggest love mistake you could ever commit is to keep absolutely silent. The world can always use more love. If you mean it, say it.
