I Don’t Fucking “Like” You

There are so many emotions that you may feel towards a person.  As danielac puts it:

I’m physically attracted to you. I find you intellectually stimulating and would love to have profound conversations with you. I want to be able to argue with you without either of us ending up mad. I just want to have a conversation with you without a red Solo cup in my hand.

All of that is supposed to be embodied in the word “like.”  But is it really? What if “like” isn’t adequate to describe your emotions, but love isn’t quite there yet?

The word “like” comes from the Old English word, līcian.  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “like” means “to feel attraction toward or take pleasure in; to feel toward; to wish to have” among other definitions.

In terms of relationships, the word “like” doesn’t always seem to be enough.  I like lots of Tobasco with my omelette; I like eating Kinder candy and remembering my fading memory of Germany; I like the black, bustier cocktail dress that I bought.  But I more than “like” the person that I’m dating.

What do you say in the interim of like and love?

• “I adore you”: That’s so very old school.  I feel like a suave guy in a suit is supposed to whisk me away and say that to get me into bed.
• “I really like you”: Really?  Really really or just really?
• “I appreciate you”: I appreciate my friends.  Don’t dump me on that shelf.
• “I relish you”: That’s pretty hot, but how many guys actually say that?

I’m not likely to say any of those, so I guess for now… I guess I do fucking like you… until a better word comes along.