This idea has been in my head for quite a while, and I wanted to post it last week to keep in theme with Valentines day, but because of work another projects going on I wasn’t able to finish it. However, instead of being trapped in my own head about making this piece “perfect,” I instead decided to reformat it to a less structured piece (like a poem) instead of the original structure I wanted (like an essay). I figured this could be a way to show a bit of my writing process! Hopefully I can come back to this piece and expand upon it. Let me know what you think!
In my mind,
the Red Heart Emoji was only supposed to be used for people you LOVED.
Your parents and your partner, at most.
I only thought that the Red Heart emoji was supposed to be used for special occasions.
Special people.
Then, more and more of my friends started using it,
As a sign off on their texts, in their emails, even in little drawings passed in class.
And it made me wonder,
If they could use it, why can’t I?
Why do I have to wait to express something so simple to my friends?
Why do I have to save it?
In my mind,
The words “I love you,” were meant for special people, special occasions.
Parents, lovers, family.
Saying “I love you” to someone who wasn’t one of these things was weird, different, not the way you’re supposed to do it.
So I kept “I love you” locked away, tight in my chest, only to be released when the time was right, the person was right.
Then,
As I grew older,
And more and more friends told me they loved me,
When I went on trips, when I was having a bad day,
That idea felt very silly to me.
Why should I hold back telling my friends, acquaintances, or even new companions that they were loved?
Why should I hide the fact I cared about my friends? Why should I withhold letting them know I cared about them, that they were cared for.
And yes, everyone has different levels of comfort when it comes to expressing and receiving affection.
And that is when you use other ways, helping them unload their groceries, paying for their gas money, giving them a special gift (even if it’s a cool rock), warm hugs, or simply being in their presence, being in the same room as them.
Because what is love, if not our actions, as well as our words?
E. A. Young Writes 