In The Last Dance, the father’s final message serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of love, expressed through words. Whether in film or real life, terms of endearment act as bridges that connect hearts, heal wounds, and celebrate the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship.
What Are Terms of Endearment?
In simple terms, terms of endearment are special words or names we use to show love, affection, or care for someone. What makes them special is their ability to create a sense of closeness and warmth, whether used between romantic partners, family members, or even close friends.
Why Encourage Testators to Include Last Words in a Will?
A will is often viewed as a formal, impersonal document focused on distributing assets. But adding a personal touch through last words—including terms of endearment—can transform it into a heartfelt message that resonates deeply with loved ones. Here’s why it matters:
- Expressing Emotions That Are Hard to Say
Life often leaves important words—like expressions of love or gratitude—unsaid. Many people struggle to convey their deepest feelings face-to-face, fearing awkwardness, embarrassment, or rejection.
For some, writing their final words in a will becomes an opportunity to share these unspoken emotions, fostering understanding and preventing misunderstandings that could ripple across future generations. It’s true—expressing our feelings can feel uncomfortable or even ‘geli’ (cringeworthy), but these moments of vulnerability often create the most meaningful bonds
- Avoiding Regret
Regret often stems from things left unsaid. By writing down heartfelt messages in a will, testators ensure their loved ones hear what’s most important. These final words can become cherished reminders, acting as an emotional touchstone for years to come.
We cannot foresee death, and often, we don’t have the chance to express our deepest feelings face-to-face. A will lets us share love, gratitude, or even apologies, helping bring peace and understanding to those we leave behind.
What Should You Avoid Writing?
While heartfelt messages are encouraged, certain things should be avoided to prevent confusion or unintended consequences:
- Contradictions to the Will:
Avoid statements that conflict with the legal content of the will.
Example
“I wish this property went to someone else” when the will designates a specific heir can create disputes.
- Negative or Hurtful Messages:
Do not use the message to express grievances or unresolved conflicts. Hurtful words can cause emotional harm and disrupt family harmony. Focus on positivity and love.
- Not for instruction or asset distribution.
Example
“I give RM10K to you, you must transfer it to my brother.”
Conclusion
Terms of Endearment can be powerful ways to show how much you care and leave a meaningful legacy. Including heartfelt messages in your will lets you share your love and leave something truly comforting and inspiring for your loved ones.
A will is more than a legal document; it’s an opportunity to say what truly matters—and to let those closest to you know they were cherished.
Take the time to write it down today. The words you leave behind can become the most enduring part of your legacy.
爱的留言：表达爱与传承
在电影《破地狱》中，父亲的最后留言提醒我们，语言中蕴含着爱的力量。无论是在电影还是现实生活中，爱的留言都是连接心灵、治愈伤口、挽回家庭和友情纽带的重要桥梁。
什么是爱的留言？
简单来说，爱的留言是我们用来表达对某人的爱、关心或在乎的特别词语或名字。它们之所以特别，是因为它们能带来亲近和温暖的感觉，不论是情侣、家人还是亲密的朋友之间，都能为他们留下爱的留言。
为什么鼓励遗嘱中加入爱的留言？
遗嘱通常被认为是一个正式的、用于分配财产，没有情感色彩的文件。但如果加入一些比较没有那么严肃的语言，比如最后的留言或爱的留言，遗嘱就会是个非常温馨的文件。这也就是它的意义所在：
- 表达难以说出口的情感
生活中，我们往往会忽略那些重要的话语，比如表达爱意或感激。许多人面对面传递内心深处的感受时，会感到尴尬、不好意思甚至害怕被拒绝。
对于一些人来说，在遗嘱中写下最后/爱的留言，成为了表达这些未说出口情感的机会，这不仅能加深理解，还能避免误解影响后代。虽然表达感情可能让人觉得“肉麻”，但这些真情流露往往能建立最深刻的连接。
- 避免留下遗憾
遗憾往往来自于没有说出口的话语。如果在遗嘱中写下真挚的话语，立遗嘱人就能确保自己的亲人知道那些最重要的内容。这些最后的留言可以成为珍贵的回忆，甚至是为亲人提供情感上的支撑。
我们无法预知死亡，很多时候都来不及与亲人面对面表达最深的感情。遗嘱让我们有机会分享爱、感激甚至道歉，为亲人带来平静以及理解。
立遗嘱时需要避免的内容
虽然鼓励加入爱的留言，但有些内容还是需要避免的，以免造成不必要的麻烦。
- 与遗嘱内容冲突的陈述
避免在留言中写下与遗嘱内容相矛盾的话。
例如：“我希望这套房子给别人”，而遗嘱中已经明确指定了继承人。这是会引起争议的。
- 负面或伤害他人的内容
不要利用留言来发泄不满或解决未解的冲突。伤人的话可能造成情感上的伤害，破坏家庭和谐。我们鼓励正面和充满爱的表达。
- 不用于指示或财产分配
例如：“我留给你一万令吉，你必须把它转给我的兄弟。” 这样的指示可能导致混淆。
写下爱的留言是一种表达关爱与留下深远意义的其中一种方式。在遗嘱中加入真挚的留言，可以让你向亲人传递爱，并给与他们适当的安慰以及鼓舞。
遗嘱不仅仅是法律文件，它更是一个机会，向你最在乎的人说出最重要的话，告诉他们，他们是被珍惜的。
抽出时间，今天就写下来吧。你留下的这些话，可能会成为你留给亲人最持久的珍贵记忆。
