When we say I Love You

The phrase 'I love you' is a popular one. We use it everyday, over and over. Sometimes we say it out of habit, at certain times of the day or in response to someone because it's a ritual that requires no thought. Sometimes we say it because of timing, such as ending a phone call or a loved one leaving for work. There are really special times that we say it because we feel the love so deeply it must be expressed. Those are my favorite 'I love you's.'

I read somewhere not too long ago that when we say 'I love you' what we really mean is 'I love the way I feel when you are around me.' That struck a chord inside of me. I had an epiphany of love and what it meant to be truly loved by another human being.

I've spent alot of time in my life feeling more or less replaceable. I'm not trying to throw a pity party or anything, I'm just stating a fact. I mean, my mom and dad could adopt another kid. My friends could always make another friend. My husband could remarry. Any woman (or man, I'm not sexist) could raise my children. My roles in life can easily be filled in my absence. That is true. It is undisputable.

Here's the epiphany:

When I love someone, I do love the way I feel when they are around me. That feeling I have is unique for each person I love. No one can ever duplicate it for another person. That makes each person on this earth unreplaceable to someone.

I have so many people who are unreplaceable to me, and I am truly thankful for those who find me unreplaceable in their own lives.