"I Like You"

This is a common phrase said around our home.

I like you.

For whatever reason, it means more to us than the more customary I love yous.

Yes, we say "I love you" often enough, but it's the "I like yous" that really dominate.  Everyone loves each other.  We are family.  Of course we love each other.  I've given birth to some of us & married the other.  Others of us are siblings.

Love is a given.

But like?  Do we have to like each other simply because we are in the same family?  Is like a given because we were married in the temple?  I've seen plenty of people who don't particularly like their kids (or one of their kids perhaps).  I've seen plenty of couples who, while they love each other in every sense of the word, don't particularly like each other.

Like is on a whole different level.

I'd even venture to say I love every single person in my ward... in a "wardly love" kind of way.  But like?  Now you're pushing it.  Like implies you enjoy spending time with them.  Like means you find them interesting.  Like consists of enjoying their personality and wanting to talk to them regularly.

So, when I see TBone being kind to Beebs simply because he wants to, I'll look at him and say, "TBone, you're a good kid.  I like you."   And when I'm lecturing Gty on this & that and complaining about stupid little things he'll smile at me a little, rub my arm and say, "I like you."  I usually roll my eyes & tell him to "stop patronizing me and just listen!" but secretly I like being liked.   Who wouldn't?