I must say “well said” to Erin Clyburn in her Feb. 11 article “Take Valentine’s Day lightly.” These days the real meaning of “love” has been lost from generic use. But I don’t think it is only the fault of the greeting card companies. It everyone’s fault who has used the word “love” and forgotten about its sincerity.
Most of us have said “I love you” to someone at one time or another. Were we truly sincere? I would guess not.
For example, many people say they love their close friends. They may be close to them for a few months or years, but as soon as there is misunderstanding in the friendship, the friends are dumped for some reason. Then they go looking for another friend. Do they try to make up with the friend? Rarely.
Some may say it might not cost much to say “I love you” because it makes people feel better for the time being, but doesn’t it mean that they are misusing a sincere word like love?
Personally, I feel that the word love should only be used for someone you are absolutely sure that you will care for your whole life. However, it does not necessarily have to be a husband-wife relationship. You can love siblings, parents, friends or your children-the people you are willing to care for your entire life. If you’re not sure you will love someone your entire life, then don’t say you love them and end up hurting them later.
If you do so say “I love you” to someone, you should be ready to stick to the relationship. Love is about making personal sacrifices for the welfare of those you love, and should not be limited simply to romance.
I am not saying that you should stop having short-term relationships, but if you know the relationship is only going to be short-term, you should describe that relationship in less serious terms than “love,” and keep that sacred word intact for a few special people.
Vijay P. Shah is a graduate student in electrical engineering.