The Three Words

Maybe it's been a long time since you last said the The Three Words to someone.

Maybe it's been years.

Maybe it's been more than five years.

Maybe, sometimes, the time is right.

Maybe, sometimes, your feelings are too big for "I really like you", and to minimize them like that would be akin to lying.

Maybe it's when you're getting off the phone every night, and it feels awkward and artificial to NOT say it.

Maybe, sometimes, you have no idea what the cute or clever (safer) way is to say the words.

Maybe it's because the words are inherrently unsafe.

Sometimes it isn't romantic.

Sometimes you'll be sitting in the dining concourse at Grand Central Station, eating what is arguabling the worst Chinese food you've had since moving to New York, two years ago, and you'll say something like, "So, here's the thing..."

And you say it.

And maybe it's the look on her face that makes it romantic.

And maybe it's the look on yours.

And maybe you don't know whether to laugh or cry or scream and pass out.

Maybe because you're terrified.

Maybe because you're happy.

-BR 7.8.08 4.55pm