Three Simple Words?

Such simple words, right? Well, I thought so! Who knew that the words "I love you" could be taken so many different ways. I end almost every phone conversation with these words, in a nice sort of way. I tell me friends that I love them whenever we are together, in a friendly sort of way. My family is always saying these words to each other, in a family feeling sort. After my mission I learned of an experience. It went something like this...

"Hello Elder, what can we do for you?" I ask as I answer the phone.

"Well we were wondering if you had time today to do a temple tour?"

"What time?"

"We were hoping around 2:30" responds the Elder.

"We would be able to do that. Sorry, we are in a hurry. We'll see ya at 2:30. Have a good day. I love ya. Bye." I hurriedly say to end the conversation.

I thought nothing of this encounter. As I said before I end all my phone conversations in such a way. Little did I know. I didn't know the second half of the story until after i returned ....

After the Elder is off the phone it hits him.... Sister Barker.... JUST TOLD ME SHE LOVED ME!

He turns and calls the Assistants.

"Elder, what can we do for ya?" Answer the Assistants.

"Well.... I just got off the phone with Sister Barker. I was calling to set up an appointment and ... well... um... so... she ... um... she told me that she loved me!"

"WHAT?"

"Yeah! That is what I thought as well" replies the Elder.

"Well Elder.... there is nothing to get worried about. That is just Sister Barker. She loves everyone and tells everyone. Now get to work."

I was reminded of this story once again this week. When saying "I love you" at the end of the phone conversation was taken different than intended. Maybe I just need to stop saying it all together? But then again... don't people need to be reminded that they are loved? I'm perplexed about this situation. Who thought that saying "I love you" would turn things upside down?