The Amazing Power of “Love Bombs”

I always admire people who throw “Love Bombs.” By that, I mean those who have an easy time saying, “I love you.” Even among all the division, hatred, and chaos these days, I still see and hear Love Bombs all around in small but wonderful ways…

I have a neighbor who ends each phone conversation with a cheerful, ‘Love you!” She’s from the Midwest and I think that’s more common there. As a New Englander, we don’t have such openness. I had to get used to that sign-off, especially when I was just getting to know her. But as I grew to appreciate Dina and her sweet, kind ways, it became more than a common courtesy to say back my own, “Love you!” Those words became something I meant.

When my husband Randy was in rehab last year for several months (learning how to walk again), he got to know some of the hard-working Jamaican nurses there. One of many things I admired about these women was their ability to express affection. “I love you” was said often to Randy in their lilting accents, often accompanied by a hug. Their lack of inhibition when it came to tenderness was lovely and uplifting. Why can’t the whole world be like that, I wondered.

Do you ever encounter a person in a grocery store or out and about, and happen to look at each other and smile? You’re complete strangers. You’ll never see each other again, but there’s a silent agreement to connect and spread good cheer. I feel that’s also a form of Love Bombing. It’s a way of sending happiness into the world, no matter how fleeting. I even like to think it’s contagious.

I have Facebook blogging friends who I’ve never met in person, but we have no problem putting that little red heart on everything we send to each other. I feel great affection, not to mention admiration, for these women whose posts I’ve read over the years, telling of their triumphs, fears, and hopes. Often, we’ll sign off a personal message to each other with Love you, dear friend. I find that so beautiful.

I can’t help but wondering if certain world leaders didn’t get enough love—or maybe none—in their childhoods. They seem to have grown up with a belief that only certain people are worthy of kindness and compassion. These leaders seem indifferent to the suffering and cruelty they inflict on others, which is the opposite of love. I wonder if this odd way of existing comes from nature or nurture. Maybe it’s both.

There are enough real detonations going off on this planet. How I yearn to see more Love Bombs.

Do you like to give and receive Love Bombs in your life? Thank you for reading. If you’d like to receive the latest post in your mailbox, just press here.