Actions Speak Louder Than Words

                                                                                                                                                             How often have you heard that actions speak louder than words?  Those words were not spoken to make someone seem intelligent.  That phrase is entirely correct. Words can come with ease and be meaningless.  Actions take thought and are intentional. 

In everyday life, how often do you say things that you don’t necessarily mean?  Not that you are being fake, but there are some phrases and actions that we are programmed to say or do.  For example, in my line of work I probably say “have a nice day” dozens of times.  Not that I don’t want someone to have a nice day, but it just comes so natural to say it that I don’t often think of its true meaning.  Or when someone asks, “How are you?” the reply is usually, “Fine and yourself?”  Do you think that person really wants to know how you are?  Do they want you to rattle off that your back hurts, you think you’re constipated and you are worried about being behind on bills?  Of course not! 

                                                  

Sometimes I think we become so “programmed” in our lives that many more common phrases lose meaning and become habit of speech.  For example, “I love you”…I don’t know about all of you, but when I say it…I MEAN IT!  And I am not afraid to show it either.  Wither it be my husband, kids or other family, I can back that phrase up with an action if said in person.  A hug, a kiss, eye contact.  On the phone, its in the way it is said, (if that makes sense). 

When you are asking your spouse or children about their day, mean it!  Make eye contact if possible and be engaged in the conversation.  I can be guilty about this from time to time, doing the head nod and saying things like, “uh, huh”.  I don’t like that done to me, so why would I want to do that to others?   At times I have been bad about this with the kids, especially when I am busy.   I have been trying to make a conscience effort to  really be in the conversation as much as possible.  It can be tough with kids when they ramble on and on, lol…but I think the reward will be worth the effort.

My husband and I like to talk, there is no denying that!  And we share the events of our day with each other all the time.  Sometimes I am totally lost when he gets into talking about his job at times, and I sure the same is true for him when I speak of my day at work.  But I am truly interested in what he has to say.  I love that he wants to share his day with me.  It makes me feel like an important part of his life.  I believe that is a sign of good communication and a commitment in the relationship.  Two of the most important things that make a marriage work.

                                                       

We say “I love you” often…maybe some people would think it is said too much, but I personally love to hear it.  Sometimes it is just through texts, sometimes over the phone and the best way, hearing him speak those words.  It sounds sincere and melts my heart every time, (its also his voice, I LOVE his voice!).  It also reminds me how lucky I am to have someone like that! 

The point to this being, don’t let simple yet meaningful phrases like “I love you” become routine with no meaning.  Throw some action behind those words and make them felt by the receiver!   Mean it every single time you speak it.  If you text it, TYPE IT OUT…the whole phrase. No shortcuts or symbols.  If in person…seal it with a kiss.  Actions speak louder than words.  Have a nice day!