I Want You...The Right Way

"I want you...the right way...", so sings Marvin Gaye in his pleading love song "I Want You." These are very important words: "the right way", because they signify something that is not just a fleshly desire, but an understanding of good old fashioned love. "I want you...the right way"--not just any old kind of way, but a special kind of way. His want has standards and is not your garden variety want. He is saying that he is looking for reciprocity in his love and wants to receive as good as he is willing to give. (Lyrics here)

When was the last time you professed your love to someone? Seriously. And not just in a subliminal "sorta kinda" way. Remember in elementary school when we put our feelings out there? When we secretly passed notes with "Do you like me? Circle one: Yes or No." The more patient of us might have added a "maybe", just in case our intended was undecided. However, as we get older, we don't necessarily want to be upfront with our want. I want you. Seemingly simple, but within that short phrase is an air of vulnerability. Are you willing to take the risk? Maybe some of us have experienced an unrequited love that has left us questioning our suitability for a relationship. And that fear may get in the way of us being able to reveal our hearts to another.

How many of you have standards about what you will and will not accept in your romantic relationships? Or do you just take what you can get? Putting your feelings out there can be risky, but, oh the benefits of a good response to your desire. This is not just for single folks either, because the committed couples and married folks have to make sure that they are not taking each other for granted. Expressing your desire or want can be a wonderful way to jump start a relationship. The right way.

Marvin Gaye "I Want You" (The classic)



Erykah Badu "I Want You" (another take on expressing desire...)