In my house, the phrase, “I love you,” is said more than anything else. 

It is used interchangeably with the words “hello,” “goodbye,” “thanks for dinner,” “I’m gonna wear this sweater all the time,” “let's end this fight,” “let’s end this conversation,” and “hey, anyone there?”

We use it in every single way you can imagine.

We say it dramatically at the kitchen table like we forgot my brother yelled it from the bathroom two hours ago. 

It is not a phrase we save for birthdays, messily written cards, college drop offs, or near death experiences. 

We use it so much it almost feels like it’s lost its meaning.

 Like it’s not so much about the sentiment of appreciating every aspect about someone. 

It’s said so many times that it’s just accepted as a part of everyday speech. 

Used like some aspiring Southerners use y’all. 

But by saying this more we are not hindering its meaning.