What "I Love You" Means...

When I end conversations with my best friends, it's never an “Okay, bye.” For 11 of the 12 years I've been friends with my best friends, we've always ended our conversations with “I love you.” No one has ever understood that. People have always questioned, “Why would you tell your friends you love them? They aren't your boyfriends.” The real question is “why not?” Firstly, I've had the same best friends since I was 11, and I love both of them more than anything. Secondly, I tell all of my friends—not just my best friends—that I love them. Why? Because I love you if I've invited you into my life as more than an acquaintance.

Friendship is huge to me. Friendship isn't just someone I talk to on occasion, or someone I've just met. I take a lot into consideration before switching someone out of the “acquaintance” category and into “friend.” I consider you a friend if I feel comfortable enough to call you when I'm not feeling in a great mood. I consider you a friend if I'll answer your phone call at 4am to talk about an argument you and your significant other had a minute ago. I consider you a friend if you call me to discuss your latest creative venture you want to take. I consider you a friend if we can offer each other constructive criticism without bitterness. I consider you a friend if we support each other without any ulterior motives. You get the idea.

As someone who was raised in an extremely tiny close-knit family, I take all of my relationships pretty intensely, platonic or not, because having and being apart of someone's support system is a huge responsibility. Part of being effective in someone's life is letting them know that you care. Love is one of the strongest emotions that is not limited to family or spouses. Why not let someone know that you love them? Not only is that a mood enhancer, but it also lets the other person know that they are an asset to your life.

When I end conversations with “I love you,” it doesn't mean “I'm in love with you and I wanna hump you.” I am simply letting you know that I care about you, I support you, I want what's best for you, and I value you. Isn't that what friendship is about?

♥P.