When our youngest son, Bono, was 4 years old, he was playing in his room while I was hanging a picture around the corner in the hallway.

“Dad?!” he yelled.

“What is it?” I called back.

“I love you!” he replied.

“I love you!” I reassured him.

This was a common exchange at our house as our boys were growing up.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There was plenty of yelling, scolding and even, crying going on at our place, as well. That’s all part of the soundtrack of family life, yet, to this day, my wife Linda and I cannot tell our, now grown, boys enough, how we feel.

When we spontaneously tell our children we love them, we send the message that we’re not afraid to verbalize our affection.

Yet, what is probably the most translated phrase in the history of the English language, some still find very difficult to utter.

And, why shouldn’t we practice this on everyone we care about?

Maybe they’ll stare at you like you’re some kind of alien being.

So be it.

As the saying goes, “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

I believe, it is better to have loved and told than never to have told at all.

If you came from a family where this just wasn’t done, don’t let that stop you from discovering the joy to be found in making someone’s moment with the gift that keeps on giving.

Try saying it even when you think that the person surely must already know how you feel.

It isn’t always easy. I know. My dad didn’t tell me until I was 35.

And, even then, it wasn’t too late.

As long as we can communicate, it’s never too late or too early.

My mom told me every day.

Right now, why not express your love for someone. Go to the next room. Pick up the phone. Write a letter, email or even a brief text with those fancy hearts.

And, every time you feel like it, hold your children or grandchildren and kiss their ears, while whispering the sweetest words ever spoken.

They’ll love you for it!