03-24-2008, 10:16 PM
|
|
|
Three Little Unimportant Words
Quote:
There are only three words in the English language that are both the easiest and the hardest to say. It’s all about circumstance. Who are you saying it to? Where are you saying it? What does the sky look like? How bright or dim is the lighting in the room you’re in when you say it? Are you outside? Is it raining, or is it overcast, or are you standing on a blanket of fresh snow, or is the sun shining?
You could be leaning against the doorjamb of your brother’s room, smiling happily as you fidget your pajamas more comfortably over your body. A draft hits your back and you shiver, reminded of how much you want to be under the covers, falling asleep and warm. You flash him a grin and a thumbs up, mumbling the words sleepily before turning away, plodding down the hardwood floor to your own room.
Or you might be lying beside your girlfriend, sitting on the couch. She’s leaning against your chest as you watch a movie together. The room is dark, and the television screen flashes white, giving her skin a milky sheen for a moment before it darkens, her face darkening and the glint in her eye vanishing for a moment. You lean closer, your lips mere inches from her ear as she begins to drift off to sleep. Your breath, slightly anxious but thick with feeling, ghosts against her skin as you whisper the words.
You could be sitting on your bed at home, fiddling with a loose thread on the quilt as you talk to your dearest friend on the phone. The lights are glaring into your eyes and your conversation turns from books and movies and music to more amusing topics. As you roll back and forth on your bed, phone pressed so hard against your ear that it hurts a little, you laughingly cry the words.
Or you might be sitting on that same bed, cross-legged, your hands tucked into your lap, that same friend sitting beside you, lounging back against the wall. The room is just as warm, but your skin is clammy, your hands trembling, hence your idea to hide them from his view. You say the words, stumbling over the three tiny syllables before you lean forward slightly. Your lips graze his cheek, nervous, gentle.
You could be standing in an airport with your mom before you leave for college, the words mumbled into her sleeve. The air is cool, and you can pick out, if you try, the distant rumble of the air conditioning system. The vast glass walls let in the glare of sunlight, giving the scenario a warm surreality. A rush of people around you instills a sense of urgency– a feeling you ignore as hard as you can, prolonging the moment you have to leave her behind.
Or you might be standing in that same airport beside a girl you’ve been watching from afar for months, not sure how to tell her your feelings, unable to be as casual as you wish you could. The sun has set and it’s late– there are fewer people, the glass walls are dark and gradually cooling after the warmth of constant sunlight. The air conditioning has finally been shut off, but the room is too cold after a day of it running. You say the words, debate within yourself if you should kiss her on the cheek. You decide not to, and turn away, not daring to look back because you’re afraid of what her face will show.
Everything’s suddenly different when it’s your friend, your coworker, your neighbor. When you say it to that person that you shouldn’t– you knew you shouldn’t–couldn’t, but couldn’t help it, it’s suddenly the hardest thing you’ll ever have to say in your life.
“I love you.”
|
No I didn't write that, but I sure wish I did. All credit goes here.
Anyway, yeah. Those three little words have the power to completely change lives. I don't think there's a phrase in the English language with more weight behind it, to be honest. They have the power to make someone happier than possible, make things all too complicated or eat someone up inside for years, debating their feelings.
-Is this phrase over used in today's society?
-'the hell do you do when someone takes it out of context?
-And, most importantly, to me, anyway, how do you know when to really say it?
Any and all discussion on the topic is free by me here, so go nuts.
|
 |