When I was a kid, whenever I left the house, my Dad would tell me to “be careful.”

As a teenager, it really annoyed me. I was responsible … I came home on time, I didn’t drink, I hung around with nice kids. Sure, I wasn’t perfect, and I got away with plenty under the guise of being “a good kid,” but why did he always assume I wasn’t being careful?

Lately, I’ve caught myself saying the same thing to people. It sort of snuck up on me; it took different forms in different situations in an attempt to disguise itself.

“Drive carefully.”

“Get home safe!”

“Safe trip.”

“Be careful; the weather’s bad.”

In retrospect, I realize it wasn’t that my Dad thought I wasn’t going to be careful. It was really just his way of saying that he cared, that it mattered to him that I’d get home safely.

I wish we could be more direct with people. Instead of hiding behind words like, “be careful,” why don’t we just say, “you’re important to me”? Or even tread on the most dangerous, vulnerable ground: “I love you.” (Nonetheless, I’m grateful to my Dad for finding his way to let me know he cared.)

Too many times, we never get to say those words the last time. We’re left with regret about the things we didn’t say because we waited for the right time, the right place, the perfect moment.

The perfect moment is now, today. If you care about someone, take a moment to let that person know. Let it take whatever shape feels right for you, but make sure the message is received.

I love you. You’re important to me. Be careful.