Most recent was last night at bedtime. I said it to my three kids and to my husband.
I say it to my husband and kids all the time. I talk to my mom on a regular basis and tell her all the time. Tell my dad too, but I don’t talk to him as often. I have an aunt I am close to and say it to her. I tell my brother and sister in law, and my niece and nephew on a fairly regular basis.
I have been friends with my bestie for over 40 years. When we end phone conversations, she always tells me she loves me. I tell her the same. I still feel awkward saying it to her because she’s not family, but that’s my issue. I do love her. She’s a huge part of my life and has been there for me for all of my highest, and all of my lowest, moments.
I think the words, without the actions to support, are empty. Just saying them doesn’t give you a free pass, like giving you credit for being a good person or something. I hope the way I treat all my loved ones, and what I do for them and with them, always shows how much they mean to me and how much I love them. But I think it’s nice to hear the words. My husband treats me so well and does so many things for me that shows he loves me, but I still like to hear him tell me he loves me. Would I be ok if he never did? Most likely, but it would be an underlying disappointment in the relationship. That’s just me though.