Love you can be a powerful and complicated feeling. The feelings that surround love are a complex mix of emotions and may vary in intensity from person to person. There are many ways that you can show someone that you love them, whether it is a romantic partner, best friend, or even a pet. However, saying those three little words can be a daunting task for some people. The right time to say “I love you” varies greatly, and can be determined by the evolution of your relationship. In this article, we will discuss the different forms of love, the best ways to show someone you care about them, and when it might be appropriate to utter those magical words.
Some experts caution that it’s not always a good idea to utter those three words too early. For example, if you tell someone you love them and they don’t reciprocate the sentiment, it can damage your bond. According to Jenn Mann, psychotherapist and host of VH1’s Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn, the first thing you need to do before expressing your feelings is gauge their temperature. She suggests you determine if your relationship goes from hot to cold or if it’s more like a slow-burning ember of mutual commitment.
Another way to gauge the temperature of a potential relationship is by asking yourself questions about your motivations for saying “I love you.” For example, if you’re thinking about telling a new person that you love them, ask yourself what’s driving you. Is it a sense of desperation or loneliness? If so, then you may need to rethink the entire relationship. On the other hand, if you’re expressing your feelings because you truly believe that this person is the one for you, then you should go for it!
The definition of love can also change over time. Often, we define love as a cinematic experience of sex and romance. But, there is a more practical form of love that crawls into the dungeons of reality with you–like when your partner wakes up in the middle of the night to make you a cup of tea or when they drop their sun-drenched vacation plans to be by your side at the hospital.
Ultimately, the most important way to show someone you love them is to choose them daily. You can do this by focusing on their strengths, complimenting them, and reaffirming what makes them special. You can also consciously choose to support them and be there for them. For example, if they need help with a problem, offer to help or just be there to listen.
In a world where the internet has allowed us to interact with people from all over the globe, it’s not uncommon for our first “I love you” to be of the digital variety. In the case of online relationships, it’s still important to remember that this type of love is not the same as true love.
