Because I write, I like to visit all sorts of places for inspiration. You never know what you might hear.
I’ve found some of the best story and dialogue snippets at shopping malls, grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, coffee shops, and even flea markets. Oh…and let’s not forget church.
Obviously, I never repeat anything that could intentionally wound someone or cause emotional distress, and never would I use identifying factors.
Beyond my own imagination, whatever I glean from outside sources is strictly for the fictional worlds I create.
I study people and conversations to gain insight into human nature. I find behavior fascinating and the thought processes linked to that behavior, compelling.
One afternoon, for instance, I was sitting at the food court at a local mall. Since it was after school, the teenage crowd was a little thicker than usual. A group of them sat nearby enjoying their nachos and sodas.
“Ohhh! I just love your necklace, Angel,” one young lady cooed breathlessly, studying the chain and charms that dangled from her friend’s neck.
“Thanks,” Angel replied. Then grinning, added, “Mom got it for me for good behavior.”
“Really? What’d you do?”
“The dishes.”
“Wow! Sweeet!”
“Yeah, I didn’t even have to tell her ‘I love you’ or anything ridiculous like that.”
“That’s even better.”
“Mmm hmmm. I figure,why give her the upper hand?”
A fit of giggles ensued, and the group of girls that surrounded the two nodded appreciatively and immediately high-fived each other.
I guess I shouldn’t have been so obvious when I sighed and shook my head. (To be honest, it happened without me thinking. And I was actually surprised they even noticed.)
“Shhhh,” the cute brunette pixie with braces whispered, lowering her voice. “She’s probably somebody’s mom or something.”
“Angel” with the silver chain and 16 charms chimed in. “Uh huh. And her kids probably say that kind of stupid stuff all the time. I love you is sooo outdated. Somebody oughtta tell her.”
More guffaws.
Eventually, the teens moved on to other topics–boys, clothes, and hair–all the pertinent issues that certainly ranked head and shoulders above I love you.
I wondered, as I slung back the last swig of warm coffee, if I love you was as outdated as what the gaggle of girls made it out to be. If so, then I really must be a dinosaur and my family must be right there with me.
I stood and gathered my things. And I walked toward the exit doors to find my car so I could head toward the cave I called home.
******
What say you? Please enlighten this gentle romantic–Is I love you outdated?
Happy Friday, friends!
Photo Credit: Clare Bloomfield/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Comments 8
The words “I love you” are timeless! We all crave hearing them.
My guess is that the teen doesn’t feel she hears them enough and, therefore, acts as though she doesn’t care by downplaying their importance. Her mother showed the young woman love by giving her the very necklace she was showing off to her friends. What a wise mother, one who understand the stage her daughter is going through and is using a love language that reaches beyond her daughter’s barriers.
Author
I think it’s so important to hear those three little words verbalized, Keli. I wasn’t sure at the time if the teenage girl was attempting to mask painful issues or if it was, perhaps, a case of teen drama. You’re so right–we have to learn to speak whatever “love language” works and one that best communicates our love for others.
Wow. Just wow. That breaks my heart. “I love you” is a wonderful phrase. I don’t know if it holds as strong a meaning for some people as it should b/c we do say “I love this” and “I love that” so often. It flows off our tongues so quickly. “I love that idea.” We hang up the phone and hubby leaves, “I love you.”
But outdated? NO WAY! Poor kids. Poor MOM! Nothing thrills me more than when my kids tell me they love me.
Author
Jess, I’m definitely with you! I never tire of hearing those words from my husband, children, or loved ones. Thanks for the thumbs up!
“I love you” is such a beautiful phrase. It’s a human emotion unlike any other.
In the material world, “I love you…it…” is just not the same. It’s just another word for something “wanted” or “adored” or even “envied” by the unemotional material heart –
Not having to say “I love you” or wanting to say it is just unfeeling.
Great post!
Author
It’s heartbreaking that some think of it as a show of weakness. When said in sincerity, “I love you” has such an ability to transform.
Have a great weekend, friend!
I sure hope it isn’t, but I’ve been accused of living in a cave. 🙂 I hope one day she’ll realize how much it means to hear those words, and it won’t be too late to tell her mom.
Author
It’s so important to tell our loved ones just how much they mean to us. I always think of missed opportunities and long-term effects.
Patti, you’re welcome in my cave anytime!