It's a quiet Saturday night and I find myself rather melancholy. I would like to talk about the three words I love and hate the most....I Love You.

As a child, I wanted nothing more than to hear those words from my parents. I wanted to say them just as much, but it was not something we did. I can't ever remember hearing them say that to me as a child. I knew I was loved, but there was something about hearing it. That need for validation. When I got older and was married and had children of my own, that's really the first time I can remember sharing those words with my mother and father.

As a mother, I make sure to tell my children that they are loved. I show them that they are loved just as much, I don't want to ruin the value of those three words. I never want to to feel as though there was anything lacking in our relationship. I want it balanced. Well, I strive for balance, not sure how well I do at it. It truly is an "act", well in my life it is.

Now as a woman, I have grown to hate these words. As much as I try to convince myself I want to hear them, they cut through me like I knife. I love pizza, I love ice cream, I love Chinese food but what I want to feel is that you (whomever that might be) are in love with me. I want to know you care, that I have meaning in your life, that I belong. Show me, don't tell me. Make me feel that I am a priority, not an option. Show me I am more than pizza, or ice cream or Chinese food. Yes I know the last one is a wee bit difficult, but you know what, I think I am worth it...LOL

And yes I know what some of you are thinking....is there a difference, really a difference in "love" and "being in love"? I think so. I think saying "I Love You" is so much easier than showing it. I feel like most people think that those three words (that are said way to much) heal all wounds and they don't, they just make them fester longer. I think saying it is the lazy man's way. OK, that statement was a bit sexist. I think it's the lazy way, for both men and women.

Well that's just my $.02, your mileage may vary...

I hate the way you talk to me
And the way you cut your hair
I hate the way you drive my car
I hate it when you stare

I hate your big dumb combat boots
And the way you read my mind
I hate you so much that it makes me sick
It even makes me ryhme

I hate the way you're always right
I hate it when you lie
I hate it when you make me laugh
Even worse when you make me cry

I hate the way you're not around
And the fact that you didn't call
But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you
Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.