The words ‘Love you’ roll off my tongue really easily – whether they’re being said to Alex, my kids, my mum or even, sometimes, my friends. I don't throw the words around, and I don't say them if I don't mean them. Not everyone likes to express themselves so openly and some folk think it’s a bit silly or soft. Which is fine. On the other hand, there are some people who would really like to say ‘Love you’, but just can’t bring themselves to do it.
Most members of my parent’s generation were lucky if they got a wee hug when they were heading off to bed, never mind any verbal expression of affection. As a result, they can sometimes find it really difficult to convey any kind of affection themselves. I consider myself really lucky that my Mum and Dad were pretty big on hugs and kisses. My Dad, especially, would tell anyone who would listen how clever, lovely, or talented I was. Of course, I wasn’t anything like as clever, lovely or talented as Dad would have people believe, but his openness in his pride and love for me helped me to believe in myself and, well, just made me feel sort of cosy inside! You can’t beat the feeling of feeling loved.
Of course, it’s not always necessary to actually tell someone you love them to make them feel loved – actions can speak just as loudly – but it’s such a wee shame for folk who would really like to say the words, but just can’t get them out. Nowadays, grandparents can sometimes struggle with this whole thing. My generation, in general, find it much easier than our parents did to tell our kids we love them, and sometimes that can make it difficult for an on looking grandparent. An elderly friend told me recently that she regularly tells her grandchildren how much she loves them, but she can’t bring herself to say the words to their father - her son. She knows that he knows how proud she is of him and how much she loves him, but she desperately wants to tell him that straight out. She’s tried a few times but, as yet, hasn’t been able to – the words seem to stick in her throat and she just can’t do it. I really hope she manages soon – and I really hope that her son reciprocates with a whopping big ‘Love you too Mum!’.
It’s only a few wee words, but they form probably the most powerful and meaningful phrase that we ever utter. Some folk think it’s over-used now (by the likes of celebrities telling us they love us all), but if that makes it easier to declare our love when it really counts, then I’m all for it being used more openly and widely. There’s nothing quite like being told you’re loved by someone you love - so, long may we continue to say it freely, openly - and unashamedly out loud!
