Why do people equate "I love you." with "I own you."?

Question

I am asking here....because I am gay and married (and not owned).

Answer 1

Heck if I know...other than the little fact that "once upon a time" that IS what it meant.
At least for men.
Men actually OWNED their wives, they were their property. Just like their house, their clothing, their family dog.

Answer 2

I hate to overgeneralize but.....

Many people seem to equate love with ownership because they are worried that the other person will leave them. When you love another person you are vulnerable to be hurt by them should they leave and/or reject you so you try to force them to stay. In this sense love then becomes bondage (no pun intended =/) and not truely love (imo).

Alternatively many people seek out love to "complete" themselves in another person instead of being a whole person on their own. If you're not essentially "whole" on your own you would try your hardest to "own" the other person so as to preserve youself.

Wow, I must be sleepy,

I hope that that made sense hehe =/,

Cheers

Answer 3

Gene M said it all (with the whole being vulnerable concept), but I just wanted to add a further sentiment: one of my favorite lines comes from a Jewel song, words that I one day want to use in my wedding vows: "Like a bird owns its wings, like song belongs to melody, you belong to me." It's a beautiful sentiment, a different take on 'ownership', that I love.