When to say 'I Love You'

The  first time you say 'I love you' to your boyfriend is a big deal. It's scary, exciting, confusing, and meaningful. It's a big step to take in a relationship and many people have the same question... when is the right time to say it?

Well, it's hard to say when the 'right' time is. Many people say it's whenever it feels 'right' and when you know that you really do love the person. But how will you know?

It's true that you shouldn't say it until you know you love the person. When you say it make sure you mean it. But what exactly does loving someone mean? It means caring about the person, wanting them to be happy and going out of your way to make sure they are, trusting them, wanting to spend everyday with them... if these things are true for you, then chances are you really do love and care about him.

So you love him... now what? You may be nervous about his reaction. Will he say it back? Does he feel the same way? Here's some clues that maybe he does:

• He shares his thoughts and feelings with you. If he sees you as someone he can talk to about things that matter to him, it's because he trusts you and cares about you.
• He brings you around his friends. If he introduces you to his friends and lets you spend time with them, it's because he is proud to be with you and he sees you as one of his friends too.
• He's there for you. If he makes you his first priority and will go out of his way to be there for you when you need him, it's because you're important to him and he wants to make you happy.

When you feel like you love him and it seems like he loves you, that's the 'right' time.

TIP OF THE DAY:

Don't say it if you're not ready. Wait until you're comfortable and absolutely sure. Don't feel forced to say 'I love you' back if he says it to you first. Make sure you mean it.