7 Things To Consider Before Saying ‘I love you’

Taking that step in your relationship is a big deal, but there are a few things to consider before saying I love you in your relationship. Saying I love you is more than just saying a sentence. It is a declaration and a promise, and you need to make sure you are ready for that promise when you say it. You may think you are ready, it is the right time, or that you two are destined to be together, but it can’t hurt to consider these things before saying I love you.

1. IS IT THE RIGHT SETTING

While you might feel the timing is right, think about if the setting is right before saying I love you. We all dream of this fairy tale romance with our significant other. While we might not get that fairy tale all of the time, if you are ready to say I love you, you can create your own fairy tale setting. You don’t have to plan something big if you are getting ready to say it, but make it a special moment between you two. It seems a lot more romantic if you say it at a spontaneous moment between the two of you rather than just throwing it out there while watching TV.

2. ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP

Saying I love you is a big step in a relationship. It shows a sense of dedication and commitment to each other. Before saying I love you, really think if you are prepared for that next step. Can you see yourself moving in together, or getting married? It may seem like a lot of baggage attached to one phrase, but there are certain milestones some people expect to come after saying those big words.

3. ARE YOU WILLING TO ACCEPT THEIR RESPONSE

A huge reason people hold off on saying I love you is for fear of the response they might get. It can be a scary thought to say I love you and not hear it back. But if you are truly having these feelings, it is better to be open rather than bottle up your feelings. Even if your partner is not on the same emotional level or not ready to say it back, you should still let them know how much you care for them. Let them know their response will have no affect on your feelings for them. Having an open dialogue is incredibly important in a relationship, and especially so when saying I love you.

4. WILL YOU SHOW IT

Actions speak louder than words. Telling someone you love them is more than just saying a sentence; it is a promise to show them that love and passion you have for them. It may not be exciting, but it will reinforce your love when you do small things for your partner. Make them breakfast in bed, treat them to a massage, be there for them on their hardest days. If you are not willing to make an effort to be there for your significant other in the good and bad, you might want to reconsider saying those three words.

5. IS IT THE RIGHT TIME

Whether you believe in love at first sight, you might want to take some time to say I love you. You don’t want to rush into a serious relationship too soon. Do you really know the person after a few weeks? Saying I love you means accepting their flaws, quirks, and everything in between. You have to really know a person inside and out to truly know if you love them. Wait until you two know more about each other to drop the “L” word.

6. WOULD YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW

This may sound weird, but would you be comfortable saying I love you to your partner in front of your friends and family? Most of the time, if you tell your friends that you said I love you, they will freak out and be so excited. Are you ready to share your love with your friends and family and be proud of your relationship? If you wouldn’t want to let your parents know you are in love, you may want to wait on telling your partner.

7. DO YOU MEAN IT

This one may be a bit obvious, but don’t say it if you don’t mean it. Even if your partner says it first, if you are not ready to say it or don’t have those feelings, it is better to be honest than say it back and dig yourself into a hole. You cannot take those words back once said. Take some time before saying it to really think about what those words mean and if you can stand behind the promise of loving something when it really comes down to it.
Saying I love you is not something you rush into. It takes careful thought to make sure it is the right decision to make in your relationship. The actual moment you say it can be spontaneous, but these things should definitely be considered before rushing into things. Do you agree that these need to be considered before saying I love you? What are some other things that you should think about before saying it? Do you think it is better to plan on saying I love you or should it be spontaneous?
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via marieclaire.com