What Does "I Love You" Mean?

The phrase "I love you" is spoken in many languages around the world. Some people say and hear it so often they seldom think about what it means. Perhaps a review is in order for those who, like me, fall into this fortunate category.

‘I love you’ means I want you to be happy. It means you are one of my favorites. It means I think of you when we’re apart and wonder how your day is going. It means I want what’s best for you and will help you achieve it. It means I love to talk to you and be with you. It means you are a high priority on my "first things first" list. It means I take pride in your accomplishments and do what I can to help you rebound from failures.

‘I love you’ means I listen to your opinions when they are different from mine. It means I won’t shut you out when we can’t agree. It means that sometimes, I will say "No" to you because getting what you want isn’t always what will help you grow. It means I love to hear the sound of your laughter.

‘I love you’ means I am happiest when we are spending time together. It means I like to plan vacations with you. It means I like to watch when you do something spectacular or ordinary. It means you never have to win first place. It means I cry with you and for you when you make mistakes. It means I don’t keep track of them. It means I will never give up on you.

‘I love you’ means we share memories, birthday celebrations and toothpaste. It means we hug each other and catch the same colds. It means we appreciate and accept our differences and similarities. It means I don’t want you to be hurt, afraid or alone. It means I pray for you every day.

‘I love you’ means you don’t have to be beautiful or handsome, famous or smart, healthy or wealthy. It means that when I look at you, I see what’s on the inside first.

Most of all, ‘I love you’ means that no matter what you think, say or do, I will still be there for you. It means you will always have a friend.