The start of a relationship is such a delicate time. You’re feeling good about everything, but you’re not sure about your partner. You know what you’re thinking, but can’t figure out what’s going on in their mind. Maybe they’re serious and are falling in love with you too. Or maybe they think it’s all just a casual fling.
But it’s more than just casual if they enjoy doing ordinary everyday things with you. Because you both just want to be together no matter what you’re doing.
It’s serious if they want to know the real you. They’re asking the big questions and really listening to your answers. They’re willing to be vulnerable with you, and to share control of the relationship.
They share their ideas with you, want your feedback and care about your opinion. You’re the first person they want to tell about something interesting that’s happened to them. You’ve become their go-to whenever they’re uncertain, and you’re beginning to make difficult decisions together. They look at you often, and when you catch them in a glance, they don’t look away.
And the relationship is about far more than just sex. If your relationship is just as much fun outside the bedroom as it is in it, then that’s a strong indication of where things are going. Because when two people are in love, sex is just a part of what they enjoy doing together. Maybe you still want it every night, but a major part of a serious relationship is all of the other things you do together.
They’ve also started to make plans for the future with you. Small things to begin with, like for next weekend. But if they’re constantly wanting to spend time with you and have started thinking about the future, then they’re in it for the long haul.
When someone is in love and committed, they want you to be happy. So they support you, listen to you, look after you when you’re sick, help you with your problems, and take your side in an argument. It is fine just enjoying the moment together, but a big part of being in love is the ongoing support and commitment.
But even if all that is happening, you still can’t really know for sure whether you both love one another in the same way until you say the words out-loud.
So if you’re feeling good about your relationship and can’t stop wondering whether your partner’s also in love with you, then you should tell them how you feel. You really want to say ‘I love you’ but you’re scared how they might react.
And it is risky, of course, but there are no rules about when to tell someone you love them, or who should say it first. So just do it, because communicating your feelings is always the best way forward in a relationship. And think how good you’ll feel when they smile and say ‘I love you too!’
