South Africa, Nov. 11 -- The words we say

On 11 November, Singles' Day, young people across South Africa celebrate freedom, selfies, and self-care.

We excitedly say "I love you" to our friends, pets, playlists, influencers, and even food. But "I'm in love with you"?

That one seems to have vanished from our vocabulary.

It is not that Gen Z does not feel deeply; if anything, they feel intensely, but somewhere between memes, therapy talk, and the pursuit of the "soft life," love has become a word that's both overused and underlived.

"I love you" has become accessible, aesthetic, and safe, while "I'm in love with you" feels like a risk not worth taking.

The difference matters

At first glance, the two phrases sound interchangeable, but ...