When should you say “I love you” to a partner?
Experts share when to say I love you for the first time and signs it’s too early.
What if it makes the relationship awkward?
How soon istoosoon to say I love you?
I believe they mean so much because these words are vulnerable to say.
How fast is too soon to say I love you?
licensed marriage and family therapist in Philadelphia
but typically, experts recommend waiting to say I love you until at least three months into the relationship.
Well for starters, love at first sight, is rarely how love works outside of romantic comedies.
Early on in a relationship, particularly if things get physical, you might be confusing infatuation with love.
It might feel amazing, but thats not quite the same asbeing in love or loving someone.
When we love somebody, that feeling is consistent regardless of the circumstances.
Love is an infinite emotion.
There are different ways that might be more accurate and a little less scary.
One of Boodrams favorite alternatives to I love you is I want you.
Is it a red flag when someone says I love you too soon?
licensed marriage and family therapist in Philadelphia
Saying I love you really early on can definitely be a red flag, says Boodram.
Look what the actions behind the words are, adds Berg.
If they feel inconsistent, or they dont feel true, then trust your gut.
At this point in the relationship, youve likely (and hopefully!)
Thats how you know if you should go to the next stage.
Another good indicator is the other persons actions.
At the end of the day, though, Cosgrove says to trust your gut.
Gauge how your partner is feeling, too.
Consider the time frame and be certain of your feelings before courageously expressing how you feel.
But here are some expert tips to help you get through that moment.
Ease into it
Before saying those three words, Berg suggests prefacing it for avoid surprising the other person.
Dont expect them to say it back
If they reciprocate and say I love you back, thats amazing!
Get curiousinformation is powerful, she says.
If they dont want to respond, or theyre not comfortable, its really important to know why.
When you understand the reasons why they didnt say it back, you might decide how to move forward.
Perhaps they are scared to say it for the first time, even after youve said it first.
Maybe theyre afraid of commitment, or have been previously hurt by someone who also expressed love toward them.
That extra bit of conversation can go a long way, agrees Boodram.
With a difficult conversation, the benefit isnt in the process; its in the aftermath.
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