Love is a powerful emotion, but it can be tricky to know when to say the words. Many people wait too long, or say it in the wrong way. Then, they end up hurting the person they love. Others, on the other hand, say it too soon and risk scaring them away. Fortunately, there are some signs that it’s time to say those magical three words:
When to Say “Love You”
According to one study, men tend to say it after three months, while women may take two, six, or even a year. However, it’s important to note that just because someone says “love you” after a short period of time doesn’t mean they’re not in love with you. It could just be their way of expressing their feelings.
In addition to verbal declarations, a variety of other behaviors can indicate whether someone is in love with you. Among those behaviors are hand holding, kissing, cuddling, and acts of kindness. According to a 2017 review of research on love, these behaviors are the most indicative of true romantic love. On the other hand, controlling behavior, such as monitoring someone’s activities or possessiveness, is a less loving expression.
If you’re not sure what to do, it’s helpful to consider the person’s personality and values. For example, if they are casual in general, and they don’t value formality or custom, they may use “love you” with more ease than others do. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t feel the same way, but it does suggest that they are more comfortable expressing their love in a relaxed and informal way.
Another consideration is how well you know the person. If you’re in a new relationship, it can be tempting to jump in too quickly and say “love you” at the first opportunity. However, this is likely to be a sign of infatuation rather than true love. Infatuation is a feeling of strong attraction and fixation, whereas love involves closeness and intimacy.
Finally, it’s also important to assess how committed you are to the relationship. If you’re not ready to commit, then you’re probably not in true love. Commitment is a commitment to work every day on making the relationship better, and it requires trust. It’s also an indication that you care about the person deeply and want to invest in the relationship.
Whether you’re looking for ways to express your love for someone, or you just need some inspiration, try using some of the finest philosophical love quotes from the greatest writers, philosophers and thinkers that have ever lived. Adding a few of these quotes to your Valentine’s Day or anniversary card is an easy and heartfelt way to show that you are thinking about the other person, and that you care about them. You can also use them to remind someone how much you appreciate their presence in your life, no matter the occasion.
