Down South, if someone tells you with a smile, “Come back now, y’all!”
Midwest, if as you leave, a friend calls out, “Watch out for deer!”
If anywhere, a person says, “Safe Travels!” or “Godspeed!”
They really mean, “I LOVE YOU”, crystal clear

Some common phrases transfer love, like, “Text me when you’re home!”
And, “See you later, Gator!”, “After’a while, Crocodile!”
“Please keep in touch”, “Don’t be a stranger”, “Don’t forget to phone!”
All ways to say, “I LOVE YOU” with a smile

Say, have you heard about the five main “Languages of Love”?(1)
First, “Gifts” are love-made-visible; but there are better ways
Like spending “Time” that’s “Quality”; intentional attention
And “Words of Affirmation”, such as praise

There’s “Acts of Service”, louder than just words to prove one’s care
And “Loving Touch”, high-fives, or hugs, or kisses… (I’ll stop there!)
So strive to “speak” all five of these, and fuel them with fresh prayer
But don’t forget to say out loud, “I LOVE YOU”-

Everyhow-

Everywhy-

And everywhere

*****

(1) The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman