Love Is Not a Four Letter Word.

Yeah, ok. I know. It is a four letter word, but do we use it as one? As frequently, as flexibly?

Why are we so stingy with our use of this word. Why do we get so uncomfortable when it gets used casually. It's been given such weight in our language. And there is only one word that covers a host of different kinds of love. Do you know that in Greek there are 7 words for love? Describing , dutiful, playful, universal, familial, companionable and sexual love. And Tim Lomas in this interesting article describes 14 different kinds of love.

It's true that we do use the word love easily, but only when applying it to inanimate objects or experiences; I love ice-cream, or I loved the hike. Heaven forbid that we should use it to each other though, outside of close relationships. Yet we all want to feel loved, to be lovable in the eyes of others.

We also tend to treat it as if it is a constant state, and sometimes it is. I love my daughter all the time, regardless of what she does. But sometimes it is fluid and transitory. I loved you in that moment when you threw your head back and laughed with the joy of being alive. My heart squeezed and I felt tender and delighted.

We enshrine and trivialize this word, but so rarely use it in a way that is both serious and light, true, but without complication, person to person. I think we should start getting brave with love. Start using it with and to each other authentically, but without such significance and gravity attached.

After all, love is a four letter word.

After all , as love is a four letter word perhaps we should start using it as one.