Ask yourself, “Did that make me feel happy? Did that make me feel uncomfortable? Did I feel nervous?” Allow yourself to have mixed feelings and accept whatever feelings come up. [2] X Expert Source Jessica January Behr, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 12 August 2021. For example, if you really like the person but you’re not sure if you love them, you might want to continue the relationship and see if those feelings develop over time. However, if you have started to feel like your relationship with this person isn’t working, then it might be time to let them know this so that you can both move on.
Don’t feel it like you owe your partner an “I love you. " Take your time and trust your own feelings. [4] X Expert Source Jessica January Behr, PsyDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 12 August 2021. Never say “I love you” back if you don’t mean it because this will introduce a lie into your relationship.
Try saying something like, “Sorry, I’m just not ready to say that yet. ” Or, “I’m glad to know you feel that way. I’m not there yet, but I want to keep our momentum going. ”
Try saying something like, “I’m so happy you feel that way. I enjoy spending time with you, too. You’re such a wonderful listener. ” Or you might say, “I care about you, too. You’re kind, smart, funny, and I just love spending time with you. ”
For example, if you’ve just said “I love you, too,” then lean in for a hug or a kiss. If you’ve just told the person that you’re not ready to say “I love you” yet and let them know that you value them and enjoy their company, you might offer a hug as a way to show you’re sincere. If you’ve just told the person that you are not interested in continuing the relationship, then giving a hug or a kiss is not a good idea. However, you might reassure them with a less intimate physical gesture, such as a pat on the arm or back.
You might even offer to let them have some privacy if they seem very sad or embarrassed. Try saying something like, “I’m sorry if that came as a shock. If you need a minute to yourself, I can leave and we can talk again later. ”
Call emergency services if the person becomes violent or aggressive towards you and you are alone with them.
For example, your significant other might be ready to say “I love you” after only 3 months of dating, while you might need 4 months or longer to develop those feelings. Be aware that there is a possibility that you will never feel the same way about them as they feel about you. Honor your true feelings and do not continue the relationship if this is the case.
If you want to commemorate the moment, try saying something like, “Let’s go do something fun! Are you up for a movie?” Or, if you need some time to yourself, try saying something like, “Sorry, but I have to go. Let’s talk again tomorrow, okay?”
