If you’re in a relationship and you’re looking for ways to boost the mood, you might want to try saying “I love you”. However, there are a few things you should know before you do it. It’s important to note that love isn’t always romantic and can be misunderstood.
According to the color wheel theory of love, there are three primary styles of love, as well as nine secondary styles. The primary styles are companionate love, passionate love, and deep interpersonal affection. These types of love are usually accompanied by physiological arousal.
There are two ways to say “I love you.” One is more formal, and the other is more casual. In general, people who are less formal will use “love you” when they want to express their love for their partner. You may also prefer this phrasing to the more traditional form of the word.
While saying “I love you” isn’t necessarily the most romantic thing to do, it’s one of the most commonly used. Many people have been tempted to use it as a way to express their feelings, but have been thwarted by the lack of reciprocation.
Some people prefer to use terse communication styles, such as texting. This is because it’s more economical and it’s also the most practical.
Using the phrase “I love you” too soon can have disastrous consequences. For example, it can derail a long-distance relationship or a progressive one. And, it can also affect how people behave. A person in a relationship who is too open about their feelings might end up scaring their partner away. On the other hand, a person who is too cautious about their love could make the person they’re expressing feelings for feel like they are not ready to commit.
If you aren’t sure what to say, you can try using the “Love Maps” card deck from the Gottman Institute. These are a series of logical, open-ended questions to determine whether you are ready to say “I love you.” The deck is free and can be downloaded onto your smartphone.
Another option is the trial balloon. The idea is that it’s a low-risk way to determine how a person reacts to a particular question. By observing the reaction, you can then challenge the person’s answer. Or you can deny that there is an issue in question, thereby giving the questioner the power to respond in their own way.
However, the truth is that there’s no such thing as a right time to say “I love you.” It all depends on your individual relationship. Taking the time to figure out the right time for you will depend on a variety of factors, from how your partner treats you to how much quality time you spend together.
Despite the variety of apprehensions, saying “I love you” is a major milestone for many couples. However, it’s a mistake to rush through the ritual without thinking about what you’re doing. As Jenn Mann, a psychotherapist and host of VH1’s Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn, points out, you should consider the state of your relationship before you say it.
