Four words that i think we all, including me, enjoy hearing after we've said "i love you" first. however, it's about much more than just enjoyment for me! now, words affirmation have never been something i needed a lot of in my life, even as a child. for some reason though, this particular set of four words is extremely to me, always has been, and always will be! i think it's because i don't ever say i love you unless i mean it with all my heart, which can take a long time for me, depending on the situation.
So, when i finally do say it, no matter what form it takes, you can count on me meaning it with everything i have! it could be something as casual and weightless as "love ya", to something weighing as much as "i love you", or anything in between! whatever the case, i need to hear those of you who i say it to, say it back! why? it all has to do with the fact that i won't even start saying it until i'm confident we share that love! if i've built up that confidence enough to say it for the first time or the hundredth time, and then don't hear it back in one way or another, it hurts to my core....devastates me almost!
At this point, are you asking yourself what made her write this now? Simply because i wanna thank each and every one of you who "says it back", maybe without even knowing how powerful it was for me, until now! mom and Brooke: i think you knew this already, but maybe not. If not, then it's just one of those happy accidents 
that happen in life that you always say it back! either way, thanks! Cullen: even though you don't say it in the "traditional" way, you say it louder than most people that do! i know you might not always believe that, but believe me when i tell you it's the wholehearted truth! 
even you, who gives me the silent smile of agreement when i say it first, and you know full well who you are, thanks! for all the rest of you who i didn't mention by name, rest assured, it doesn't mean any less, and i don't need to hear you say it back any less, i'll just run out of room here!
Thank you all! 