Wow... such expressive prose, right here in my Live Journal! I'm impressed. I think you ought to publish this.
I think you're exactly right. Every love has its precise meaning: its unique causes, its rivulets in the mind, and its individually crafted impulses to action. But an essential part of love is simple, unqualified feeling, and to honor that part is to give it simple, unqualified expression.
In its expression, "I love you" fulfills always the same purpose. Its reception depends on a fundament of psychological visibility. If a stranger offers those words to you, like an offering to an Olympian god, you may receive them like a vegan offered a pound of bacon. He has his reasons: spring lightens his soul as he sees the way the sun illuminates your hair; or he eyes you at Manray and covets your flesh; or perhaps someone gave him a glimpse of your LiveJournal. Lacking insight into his head, your reaction is another three oft-repeated words: "What the fuck?"
Half of the danger of "I love you" is in the channeling of emotions into words. The remainder is in the reception. Will they be met by a smile, a blush and downturned eyes, a hungrier gaze? Or by a frown? His understanding reconfirms your love. It reconfirms a deep and essential reaction of your soul.
no subject
I think you're exactly right. Every love has its precise meaning: its unique causes, its rivulets in the mind, and its individually crafted impulses to action. But an essential part of love is simple, unqualified feeling, and to honor that part is to give it simple, unqualified expression.
In its expression, "I love you" fulfills always the same purpose. Its reception depends on a fundament of psychological visibility. If a stranger offers those words to you, like an offering to an Olympian god, you may receive them like a vegan offered a pound of bacon. He has his reasons: spring lightens his soul as he sees the way the sun illuminates your hair; or he eyes you at Manray and covets your flesh; or perhaps someone gave him a glimpse of your LiveJournal. Lacking insight into his head, your reaction is another three oft-repeated words: "What the fuck?"
Half of the danger of "I love you" is in the channeling of emotions into words. The remainder is in the reception. Will they be met by a smile, a blush and downturned eyes, a hungrier gaze? Or by a frown? His understanding reconfirms your love. It reconfirms a deep and essential reaction of your soul.
Thanks for writing that.