A big 4 letter word

Love.  I know we won't have to consult Webster's for this term. Don't you think it's tossed about WAY too easily? Ok maybe it's just me, but I do. 

I always thought over-use of a term cheapened it's meaning.  Epiphany: this would explain why the f bomb and many other "curse" words have little to no effect on me.   They are my verbal shorthand. They do represent my lack of energy to use more descriptive vocabulary when verbalizing.  I try to avoid throwing those colorful expletives out around my young son. I mean, nothing is more attractive than my potty mouth being recited through the teeth of a 7 yr old. Sometimes I even get through a whole day without muttering an obscenity.  Maybe I will literally just say Obscenity from now on? Well, that's worth a try.

But I digress.

This blog was supposed to be about people who say they love (romantically) another person at the first exchange of a well....a glance I guess. I see it with the teens. There was the "ily" thing online. Wow. Almost every snotty little tweenage girl would comment the other's photo with "you are pretty. ily"  Or "you look amazing. ily" Or "hot. ily" 

I don't know about you, but when I was in jr. high, most girls didn't love each other. It was a blood bath or competitive snarkiness.  No? Not the same for you? Ah... well.... I have issues. (Please note that most of the kids can't spell so my quotes are inaccurate in that way. My example should read as "your prety. ily")  

I would expect some jr high female or even young high school girl to have a crush on a boy and say "But I looooooooooooove him." (read that in a desperate, vomit inducing whiny way) I can't count how many girls I knew that ran away in high school those first two years to be with the one they loved. *Gag* Is it hormones? Why do so many young females want to play out Romeo and Juliet? That shit did not end well, remember?  These days I even hear the Over Dramatic Sap Festival spew out of the mouths of young boys. "I think I'm in love with you..."  and they mean it. They think they are. It isn't even just about getting into the other person's pants--well it's not 100% the intention.  (Back in my day, that would be the only reason a young dude might mutter that out loud.) It's just so odd. Is this what happens when we raise a group of guys to be in touch with their feminine sides? They turn into mushy little estrogen producing mutants? (Not to say I prefer the womanizing bastards of yesteryear.)

Occasionally I see this in adult women as well. Her: I think he's the one.  Me: Oh honey, you haven't been on a date or shared a meal together. (I'll save my lengthy thoughts on the "there's only one" theory for another blog.) Her: Yes but he gives good email.  Me: Well that's important but let's see how he does life in real time.

My point, if I have one, is say it when you mean it. Say it often to your children, friends, family members or whoever you actually Do love. Let the word have some dignity and meaning. It's short but what it signifies is powerful and we haven't many other words to describe what it's supposed to mean. If it's a romantic thing, then wait until you know, then say it and watch it grow. There. I got Seussical about it. You know I must be slightly more crazy today. That or I begin to rhyme when agitated. Oh God I think I just had another Epiphany about rap music.  This blogging stuff is so helpful.