Love comes in many forms, from the bond you feel with family to the butterflies of romantic feelings. It enriches our lives and provides support during tough times, but it also needs care and understanding to flourish.
But if you’re the type of person who blurts out “I love you” before they even know your name, then the feeling is probably a bit too intense and not quite ready to blossom into something more full-fledged. It can be painful to realize that you said it too soon, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your relationship. In fact, it may be the best thing for your happiness in the long run.
Regardless of whether it’s platonic, romantic or something in between, loving someone is a powerful feeling that can transform your life in ways you never thought possible. It can make you more empathetic, less selfish and more likely to give back to others in need. It can also improve your mental health and even boost your immune system. Research suggests that people who regularly express their love and gratitude to those around them are happier than those who do not. So if you’re in a relationship, don’t be afraid to tell your partner that you love them and let them know how much they mean to you.
You’ve been dating your crush for a few months now, and things are going great! One evening you’re out on a picturesque bridge with your boo, and the moonlight is shining down on you both. Suddenly, you find yourself saying, “I love you.” You’re in complete bliss, but then you realize that it’s way too soon to be declaring those emotions!
According to relationship therapist Sofia Robirosa, there’s no specific time frame that you should consider as the right moment to say “I love you.” It depends on the individual couple’s evolution and how much quality time they spend together. You also want to gauge if the feelings are real or infatuation, and be sure your partner is on board with them.
For example, you might be able to tell that they’re infatuated with you if they get extremely nervous or anxious when talking about your relationship, even if they profess their love for you otherwise. They might also stutter or seem anxious when talking about their own relationship with someone else.
In addition, if they show signs of wanting to take things slowly or aren’t willing to commit to you fully, it may not be the right time for you to say “I love you” yet. It’s important to respect their boundaries and not push too hard, as this could make your relationship more difficult in the long run. However, if you’re confident that they’re truly in love with you, it’s worth taking a risk and saying it anyway. If they don’t reciprocate your feelings, that’s OK too. They may have other reasons for not loving you that aren’t related to you and your relationship.
