What 'I Love You' Really Means — Summary

When we say we love something, What do we really mean? Did you mean that 'I love you' You told your girlfriend, Your boyfriend, Your partner? Or was it just a greeting, A farewell?

When I say that I love you, I say it with all my heart. All my soul. Because when I love, I don't do it lightly. I love you, All the way, Or not at all. So what do I mean, When I say those three words?

"I love you."

I love your eyes, I love your laugh. I love how you treat every movement like a mission. I love your smile, I love your voice. I love that you don't think you need to lie to me. I love your skin, I love your clothes. I love the way you hear me. I love your hair, I love your jokes. I love when you don't try to argue my compliments. I love your truths, I love your faults. I love how you say it like it is. I love your height, I love your hands. I love that you don't sigh when you see me. I love your you.

No, 'I love you' isn't a greeting to me. It's not a goodbye.

'I love you' is a promise. 'I love you' means I'll look after you. 'I love you' means I'll be your punching bag. 'I love you' means I'll be your shield. 'I love you' means I'll be your shoulder to cry on. 'I love you' means I will never let you feel alone.

'I love you.' What does it mean to you?

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Dalilahshigaraki's poem starts with a question: when people say "I love you," what do they actually mean? The speaker points out that the words can become a habit, something said as casually as hello or goodbye. Then they set out to show what the phrase means when they say it.

The answer comes in two parts. First, a long list of small, specific things the speaker loves: a laugh, a voice, hands, even the way someone doesn't sigh on seeing them. Many of these are about how the other person treats the speaker, not just how they look. The list ends with the playful, tender "I love your you," which suggests love for the whole person. Second, the speaker defines the words as a promise: to protect, to listen, to stay.

The mood is earnest and warm, with a note of vulnerability. The speaker loves "all the way, or not at all," and the closing question hands the idea back to the reader.

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