For many couples, the time is right to say “I love you.” They get along well, are attracted to each other and feel the butterflies. So how do you know when it’s time to pull out the big guns?
The answer depends on each person and their relationship. It’s about more than a feeling, it’s also about commitment and what you’re willing to put into the relationship. For example, a person may fall in love with someone because of their passion, such as wanting to make a difference or share an interest like a hobby. Or, they could be falling in love with someone who makes them feel happy and supported.
When you’re in love, you want to spend time with your partner and share experiences together. For example, a couple might go to the movies or out for a dinner together. This can give you the opportunity to communicate about your feelings and what you hope for your future together.
A big part of knowing when to say those three words is understanding what each person values and what their “love language” is. If your partner is drawn to acts of kindness and gifts, you can show your affection with thoughtful gestures, such as sending a card or leaving a note. Or, your partner might prefer a physical connection like holding hands or cuddling. For some people, these types of physical affections are more important than sexual intimacy.
You can also communicate your needs by talking to your partner about theirs. If your partner’s love language is physical touch, you can let them know that you value cuddles and kisses. If they are more oriented toward a verbal form of communication, you can tell them that you enjoy having meaningful conversations and sharing your thoughts.
Then, you can use your knowledge of their love language to figure out what you’re willing to put into the relationships. If you’re both on the same page about what you want from the relationship, you’ll be able to move forward.
For some, saying the magic word can be a scary thing. Perhaps they’re worried about committing or they’ve experienced painful past relationship breakups. It could also be that they don’t think they can love another person as deeply as they love themselves.
Playful love, or young love, is a type of love that’s playful and exciting. But it’s often short-lived, and a person might find that their feelings change as they grow older.
Unconditional love is a different kind of commitment, a promise to a person that you’ll be there for them, even when they’re not happy. It’s a love that can stand up to anger and pain, and that can even endure the pain of unrequited love.
Bhakti, the spiritual love that drives people to serve others and reduce suffering, is another type of enduring love. It can take on many forms, from volunteering at a homeless shelter to simply expressing compassion to others.
