Is Saying, "I Love You" Really Important?

When was the last time you said, "I love you"? Not "love you", "love ya", "you too", or "same", but "I. love. you." Is it important to emphasize the "I"? Did you say it to your child, significant other, parent, sibling, or a friend? Did you think about why you were saying it, or did you say it because of habit? Do you say it to everyone, or are those words reserved for "special people and moments"? Do you say it at all? Are you more of an "actions speak louder than words" person?

I had a discussion with a friend about the importance of saying "I love you". It wasn't a big deal to her. She viewed the phrase as just words people say. To her, a person could say it, but show something completely different. The only time she uttered the phrase was after someone said it to her. I asked her if she meant it when she said it, she said "Yes, it's just not something I think about saying."

This made me want to ask another friend. Her response was different. For her she needs to hear it. Hearing the words "I love you" makes her feel like a person cares and is consciously choosing to be around. "My sister is an introvert. If she is spending time with you it's because she REALLY loves you. Then, there are those who simply enjoy being around people, just because they do. Also hearing it and saying it brings peace to me because if something were to happen, then we would know that we were loved by someone."

Not to be biased I asked a male friend. He thinks it's important to say, "I love you". "One side of my family said it often. If the other side said it, I KNEW it was the real thing because we didn't do that. There is a place for it in multiple ways. When you say it, there's usually a deep meaning behind it. The phrase evokes a feeling of gratitude. It's mostly for familial and romantic relationships, this includes close friends though! But, I ain't a sucka for love. Meaning if I say it too often, dealing with the people I deal with, they may think they have power over me. This includes men and women who try to use those words to be manipulative."

My male friend asked my thoughts. I told him I was in a relationship with a guy who gave me a lot, but very rarely told me he loved me. There was no love for me behind the giving. It was all for his personal gain and bragging rights (he actually told me that). Because I lacked that, it is important for me to hear and see love being demonstrated. I need the "I" to be said. The casual "love you" or "love ya" gives me church hug vibes (something that's supposed to be said because it's polite or generic).

When I say, "I love you," I mean it! It's not something I say casually. I try to follow through with action because I believe love is an action. It's the ability to be vulnerable with someone; something my male friend said he is not willing to do at the moment 😉.

Although I received mixed messages on the importance of saying "I love you", saying it unapologetically and without fear is the water I'm choosing to walk on.

I would like to know how you feel about saying the words, "I love you." Do they really carry much weight? Is there a difference in how it's said? Please answer in the comments section.