Falling in ‘like’ for life
A recent trip to Dallas gave me a glimpse into what it means to truly fall in like with someone.
Years ago, I realized that falling in love in something we have no control over. I’ve never heard someone say they chose to fall in love with someone. They just fell in love. I’ve often heard that the heart wants what it wants.
Love is something we’re also obligated to dispense. We’re supposed to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We’re supposed to love our family and all mankind.
Obligatory.
What I’ve never heard or read is that you’re obligated to like anyone.
Thus, “like” is a choice.
Like is what I saw in Dallas.
Every relationship is fraught with issues; my relationships with family and friends haven’t always been smooth, and I’m sure there were times when they didn’t like me and I didn’t like them.
A choice.
On my last day in Dallas, as I told my friend how much I had enjoyed spending time with him and his wife, I told him the high point was seeing the interaction between the two of them.
They seemed to genuinely enjoy the other’s company. The spent time together cooking breakfast in the kitchen he dreamed of having, in their retirement home they designed together. They each made sacrifices to get “their” home, the one they see themselves living in until God calls them home. They complement each other in so many ways.
They talk. They laugh.
My friend’s response to my comment about their interaction was that he really likes his wife and has liked her since elementary school. Of course, they love each other, but the like I found impressive.
They like each other.
Like is a choice, and when I grow up, I want to fall in deep like with someone – for life.
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Random Brain Dumping 
I noticed this browsing on SheWrites and I really enjoyed your “like” point of view and wished you had written more. I completely agree with what you are expressing but never really saw it put in a way that made me stop and think. This is an inspiration for an entire story, and I am going to write down my ideas in my journal. Thank you;) Joy
Joy, thanks so much for the comment. I realized the difference between like and love when my youngest son was deployed. As we ended our irregular conversations, we would say, “I like you.” He knew I loved him, and vice versa. “Like” seems a much more powerful sentiment.
Gwendolyn
First, I am taking a guess, that your youngest is safe and sound? Secondly, I can only pray that one day my kids will gift me with the same sentiment as yours because “like” is a more powerful sentiment. As their parents, they feel an obligation to love us because we take care of them. This is along the same lines of your observation of falling in love not being a choice. This gives me a serious goal to work toward, Gwendolyn. To ensure that when my children are older they can say, ” You know, I really like my mom.” Your one thought as changed my perspective on parenting…wow, thank you.
Joy
Joy, my youngest son deployed twice and returned safely each time. Now, he’s in a unit that doesn’t deploy. I’m glad this post has given you new perspective. The realization changed my perspective on many relationships, some for the better, others not so much. … Here’s to wishing lots of “like” in your life.
Gwendolyn