Love. Why would you even hesitate? You care. Surely that very act of caring will make someone happy, no?
Digression: my daughter (whom I love without reservations!) asked me to pick up some cupcakes this afternoon. She had run out of time and I had just finished teaching and so I flew down Bascom Hill to pick up the handful (75!) of treats that she needed (for her class).
Sweet stuff.
Now, back to the matter at hand: what happens when someone you adore has a big make-it-or-break-it moment before them the next day? Do you tell them good luck, my love?
Yes, you should.
I have a mild make-it-or-break-it moment (discussion?) tomorrow at work. And as I sit here pondering the direction this may take, I think, as well, how valuable are the people (just a few) in my life who consistently sign emails with “love.” So I’m thinking, if you have a friend, maybe you should do that for them. Because for me, it has been ... well, quite important.
And, if it was a common ordinary end-of-an-email end-of-phone conversation sendoff, would it truly be as important? Timing is everything. You say as much yourself, the end of a long day, the looming duties of a coming day, what a perfect time for someone to affirm love. Even better, perhaps, when it is unexpected? I don't know. I know the times someone said "I love you" to me were special enough to have kept spaces in my memory, only to be brought out in painful moments where the question was "but you said ..." Maybe repetition would lessen the impact. I've wondered.
ReplyDeleteGeorge H: I think I meant something different. I was thinking wistfully about emails, or correspondence between friends signed simply with "love." As opposed to "best" or "regards" or nothing at all. In Polish it would be "caluje" or "sciskam" (kisses, or hugs). In Spanish -- "besos." An emotional or even physical affirmation of connectedness.
ReplyDeleteHere, we seem to be tighter, stingier with words and, indeed, with kisses between friends. Though big hugs are more common these days than, say, twenty or thirty years ago. So there's at least that.
Saying "I love you" -- that's for lovers and parents and children. Listening in on cell phone conversations around me (eg on bus rides or plane rides), I am actually (pleasantly) surprised at how frequently it is indeed articulated.
Ah, I get it. Levels of affection can be so subjective. But why love with half a heart, as if we are saving the rest? It will not run out.
ReplyDeleteI guess I agree in a way.
In Norwegian: "klem," hug, or "stor klem," big hug, or "masse klem," lots of hugs.
So. Not to be miserly. I have lots.
klem fra George
Wonderful. No wrong can come of being generous with sincere klems and besitos and baisers. Affirmation of warm support. I'm here, wishing you well. It's splendid!
ReplyDeletelove,
Nina
so sweet, with love! And the conversation with George, as well.
ReplyDelete