Re: I Love You
Love at the beginning of a marriage and 10-20 years own the line…can still be love. Think of it as a continuum with it hopefully growing stronger with time. That said, the feelings after a few months might still be love…but those same feelings, after weathering life’s ups and downs, can evolve to become deeper or stronger. Or it can be argued that the feelings after the first few months are lust or they lack substance/depth because the interactions have been few or not of the kind that would allow you to clearly assess if the other person is dependable and sincere. At the same time, while trials can make a relationship stronger…they can sometimes destroy a marriage as well. I do feel that iman plays a strong role in our relationships…if your iman is strong you’re likely to have consideration for your loved ones.
Sometimes the words are said to give false reassurance to the one who said it to you first…sometimes you’re the one who needs the reassurance and wants to hear them said back. Sometimes people think saying them will lead them to believe it or hope those feelings will develop if they’re not ready in place. Other times the words are said and reciprocated with sincerity. There are different situations. Sometimes I think love is better determined through consistency of the most basic/ordinary of actions you do for others on a regular basis that don’t attract special attention because they develop trust and security and respect over time.