How to Express Feelings of Love
When everything's going smoothly in a relationship, one or both partners might start wondering whether it's the right time to say the big "L" word. While saying "I love you" to your sweetie for the first time is always a gamble, honest conversation can help ensure that you're both on the same page. Remember that words aren't the only way to show someone you care. Don't rush yourself. Show your affection in other ways if you're not ready to say those three little words, and you may find that they come naturally sooner than you think.
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Instructions
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Resist the urge to say "I love you" when you're intoxicated or being physically intimate with your partner. He'll wonder if you really meant it, or if it was just the alcohol or the activity that loosened your lips. Your words will seem more honest if you say them when you're totally present, both emotionally and mentally.
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Discuss your feelings for each other in a general way before you say "I love you" for the first time. If she says she can see a future with you, enjoys spending time with you, and really cares about you, she's probably ready to hear what you want to say.
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Show your partner how you feel about him through your actions. Make a hand-made gift for him, cook for him, and show your appreciation for the little things he does for you every day. Leave love notes at the breakfast table or in his coat pockets or briefcase.
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Express your feelings face-to-face when saying "I love you" for the first time. While looking your sweetie in the eye and saying the "L" word may seem a bit daunting, saying "I love you" through a text message or email is a cop-out that confuses your partner, says an article in "Cosmopolitan" magazine.
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Allow yourself to be spontaneous. Once you feel that the time is right to say "I love you," you don't have to make a plan about when you'll say it. Wait for a time when you feel the emotion strongly, and let it come out, whether you're laughing together about something that happened at work or sharing a frozen pizza.
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Keep the romance alive by making an effort to show your partner your feelings. Saying "I love you" over text is acceptable after you've broken the ice, but as an article on the MSN website points out, showing up and telling her how you feel, especially if your visit is unexpected, keeps your relationship feeling fresh and real.
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Harness the power of technology to show your sweetheart that you care. Send your partner an e-card, or make a customized iTunes playlist for him. You can also send virtual bouquets of flowers or post a password-protected video on Vimeo for his eyes only, suggests "Cosmopolitan" magazine.
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Tips & Warnings
If your honey says "I love you," and you're not ready to say it back, don't say "Thank you." Be honest, but heartfelt: "I don't feel ready to say that back to you yet, but I do care deeply for you. With more time, I think I could get to that place, too."
If you said "I love you" and she wasn't ready to hear it, tell her there's no pressure to say it back. You understand, and you're willing to continue moving forward at her pace.
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