WHY YOU SHOULD TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM

Apparently one in four people have never told their mum how much they mean to them, and one in 16 have never said those three little words to their partner. Emma says it’s time to cut the embarrassment

When I read this stat, W I almost choked on my cornflakes. One in 16 people have never told their partner they love them, and one in four have never said it to their mother – because they’re too embarrassed. DON’T HIDE BEHIND FEAR I can almost accept that some people find saying those three little words scary in romantic relationships, for fear of being left hanging. But I draw the line when it comes down to telling your mum. I genuinely tell my kids, husband, parents, siblings, in-laws, wider family and friends that I love them every time I see or speak to them. You may shake your head and imagine that me muttering those words so regularly diminishes their meaning, but I disagree. I mean every single vowel and consonant, and I say those words because, whether they are reflected or not, they are my testament to the way I feel about that human at that time. Love has no cap; you can love as many people as you choose without limits, and if you do love them, then you should absolutely tell them the way you feel. SEE LOVE AS A GIFT The words “I love you” are too often viewed as a loaded statement, one that can allow others insight into the weight of your feeling towards them. You find yourself feeling afraid of their reaction, worrying about the possibility that they don’t harbour the same emotional mindset, concerned about the embarrassment that will follow if they don’t reflect the same sentiments back to you. My advice is to see love as a gift, and as the cliché so rightly states, you should not give to receive. SAY IT WITH MEANING Instead of worrying what you’ll get in return, say the words “I love you” because it’s how you truly feel, and because you should honour the beauty and blessing of that feeling, rather than hiding behind your fear. Life can end unexpectedly, and believe me, there is nothing more burdening than unspoken love. If you are one of the four or sixteen who haven’t told loved ones what they mean to you, then maybe it is time to pick up the phone.