“From now on, I’m going to tell you ‘I love you’ every morning before I leave for work.”
With a solemn expression, my husband made this bold declaration. Because he’s usually so reserved, both my daughter and I were startled by his sudden announcement.
“Wait—did we do something wrong? Or is this some kind of punishment?” we asked, half-joking.
He laughed, surprised that we would think of it as a punishment.
“I just realized I haven’t expressed it much. So I figured it’s better late than never,” he said.
His words made me reflect on myself. Back in our newlywed days, we exchanged greetings and expressions of love all the time. But as the years passed and we settled into our routines, I, too, became absorbed in the everyday and stopped making those simple gestures. Strangely enough, I was thoughtful and expressive with close friends—quick to offer kind words and small acts of love. But toward my husband, the person closest to me, I had become rather indifferent.
I felt a little sorry and realized that I needed to change just as he was trying to. I reminded myself that the love I’ve learned from God should be practiced first and foremost in my own home.
Since making his “I love you” declaration, my husband has kept his promise every single day. And in return, my daughter and I now see him off each morning at the door. With a dramatic 90-degree bow, we cheerfully shout:
“Have a safe and wonderful day!”
At first, it felt awkward for all of us. But now, if we miss this loving send-off, it feels like something is missing. By shifting our thoughts and actions—and by expressing our affection more openly—our home has become warmer, happier, and filled with even more laughter.