To Like

We are now in the month of February – you probably think I am going to say something like, “Okay, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow – spring will be early”. No, I am not (although that did happen); what I am going to say is that the month of February is associated with Valentine’s Day; and, therefore with the emotion “love”. There isn’t a store, magazine or newspaper that does not have suggestions on how to spend your Valentine’s whether it is a gift, what sexy nighty to wear or how to make that day special by booking that very expensive dinner reservation and buying those dozen red roses.

We all know that “love” is that emotion that makes you giddy and gets your oxytocin (love hormone) levels up; but, I think there is a stronger, more reflective emotion that we should each strive for from those whom we love – it is LIKE. What is LIKE?

We tend to use the word LIKE for material things; I like this book, movie, outfit, restaurant, etc. It is very rare that we use the word LIKE for individuals – we immediately go to the “love” word. My thoughts are that we probably think that the LIKE word isn’t strong enough to convey our feelings/emotions for that individual; but, LIKE has many levels.

Let’s first take a look at one of the many definitions for the word LIKE: 1. To be suitable or agreeable to; 2. a. to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in: ENJOY; b. to feel toward: REGARD; 3. to wish to have: WANT.*

When you LIKE someone it takes on various connotations – for example:

1. There is a comfort level that you have when you are around that individual there are no pretenses – we tend to be honest and open

2. There is respect that you have for that individual, you value their thoughts/opinions and often seek them out for their advice

3. You trust the individual through their actions, words and can divulge secrets/concerns to them.

When we love someone we often think of various parts – their eyes, their hands, their intelligence or their physical body. We might not LIKE them due to their actions, manner of being or their style; but, when we LIKE someone, we like the whole individual not the individual parts.

So as we review our current relationships; and, as we form new ones – remember there is nothing wrong with LIKE. In fact, let’s start with LIKE and then move on to love; or, if you are at the love stage, try to see if there is LIKE in your relationship.

Here’s to the WHOLE and not the parts.

* Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary