I’ve had the amazing good fortune to have grown up in a household where the term, “I love you”, was a very regular happening. Cliff and Charlene Taylor never let an opportunity to say it, go by. I think I’d be safe in saying that Monty (my brother) and I heard “I love you” from them most every day of our young lives. I’ve never had to go a single day in my 61 years wondering if I was loved by them. They’re now in their ’80’s and live just a few blocks from me. I see them several times a week and talk to them on the phone almost every day, and every single time, without exception, we tell one another, “I love you”! I think it makes a difference.
We have a ‘built-in’ need to be loved, and hearing it from those around us goes a long ways in meeting that need. Of course, to say it and not show it with our actions doesn’t do much good. It really, really needs to be both! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened in my office to men and women, some younger, some older than me, who agonize over the fact that their dad never told them that he loved them. I don’t think I’ve ever heard even one of them say that their mom never told them that she loved them. Maybe moms are better at it…..and maybe it’s the validation of a father that we so desperately need. In most cases, it isn’t a situation where the dad didn’t love them….I think it’s more of an issue that they, maybe, weren’t told that themselves. And, in our culture,….as wrong as it may be, men saying “I love you” just isn’t cool.
I’m on a lifelong crusade to encourage you, whoever you are, to tell the people in your life that you love them! I’ve seen quite a few by now that didn’t grow up in an “I love you’ culture, who have broken the pattern. It has changed everything for the better….they all agree! If you love someone, by all means, show them by your actions. But don’t forget to tell them too!
I really enjoy coming to this site, and reading what you have to say every day! Thanks for sharing! I love you!
Shirley
Thanks Shirley….love you too!
Mr. Taylor, I thoroughly enjoy your posts (have most of them saved), but this one took me by surprise. My son is named Monty (Monroe, after his daddy.) He is in Sayre, and I think he attends your church. I tell him that I love him often, and I pray it works this time. Blessings, JTJean TaylorIt’s just a fact that we’re going to have tribulation in this life but we’re destined, by Him, to overcome. So maybe, just maybe, there’s some redeeming value to this trial I’m going through. Andy Taylor From: Andy R Taylor To: warriorqueen06@yahoo.com Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2015 6:50 AM Subject: [New post] If You Love Someone….You Should Tell Them! #yiv8436197714 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv8436197714 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv8436197714 a.yiv8436197714primaryactionlink:link, #yiv8436197714 a.yiv8436197714primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv8436197714 a.yiv8436197714primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv8436197714 a.yiv8436197714primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv8436197714 WordPress.com | Andy R Taylor posted: “I’ve had the amazing good fortune to have grown up in a household where the term, “I love you”, was a very regular happening. Cliff and Charlene Taylor never let an opportunity to say it, go by. I think I’d be safe in saying that Monty (my brother) and I ” | |
Jean, I know Monty! I can tell you that he’s doing very good. We think a lot of him. Thanks for your feedback!
Will do…will do
I have practiced this for many years. A friend’s Mom had cancer and didn’t want to upset the family so she told no one. Her daughter had moved away from here. She never got to hug her Mom or say that final I Love You. It impacted my life alot. It reminded me that tomorrow is never promised. Just one more reason to let the people that you love know it……plus it brightens their day.
It can make ‘all’ the difference!!
Andy: Enjoy your articles and check out your posting every day. Could you send me the link to the presentations of your recent leadership conference. I would like listen to those teachings. Thanks,
Dale Fike
I was raised in a family that ” I love you” wasn’t spoken! But as an adult I have always said it to my children since they were tiny! Saying to my parents often sparked a reply with those same words! I told Daddy yesterday” I love you Daddy!” and he told me the same thing! So glad he could respond! Thank you Lord.
Great job, Cara! Like you, I’m determined to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem! Thanks for your feedback!