Those three words: I love you. Some people use it loosely, but it can be intimidating to come out and say it to your partner for the first time. Here are 5 tips on how to tell someone you love them.
Is it love?
What does loving someone mean to you? Could you be in lust, infatuation, or even just like? Be sure of your feelings. It’s always good to follow a 24-hour rule, too. Wait (at least!) 24 hours once you’ve first felt those feelings — hey, you could have been drinking!
In most cases, it’s something you just know, something you feel in your gut, so trust that.
Show Your Love
Before you say those three words, you should show your love — actions speak louder than words, after all. Hug, kiss, and express your feelings physically to your partner, and be sure to emotionally support them, too. Your partner will feel your love long before you say it.
Consideration
Take your partner into consideration. Are they they type of person that would want to say it first? Do you think they feel the same way about you? Stereotypically, men are slower to the punch when it comes to saying “I love you,” but everyone is different and love is expressed differently by everyone. The key here is to be observant!
The Right Words
Saying “I love you” is different than padding the phrase with different words — “Love ya, babe,” “I think that I love you,” or something of the sort. The words just dilute what you’re really trying to say, especially the first time. You want to make sure your partner knows you’re serious!
The Right Moment
When you’re saying “I love you” for the first time, the moment need to be right. Make eye contact, and hold your partner’s hand as you say it — they’ll know you’re being sincere. If you feel like there won’t ever be that “perfect moment,” jump right in and tell your sweetie.
When you do say those three words, there’s always the chance that you’ll take your partner by surprise and they won’t know how to respond, or maybe they aren’t feeling that way yet. That’s OK. Everyone loves differently, and comes into those feelings differently, so don’t feel discouraged.
[Image via Tumblr.]
