You’ve been dating an amazing person for some time now. You’re crazy for each other, everything you do, see or say each day somehow relates back to that someone special – it’s nothing short of magical. You can’t stop thinking about them, you can’t stop talking about them either. You are made for each other. Two peas in a pod. A match made in heaven.. you get the picture. So what next? You tell them how you feel!

I love you

The Problem

The thing is, it’s never easy telling someone you’re in love with them, especially for the first time. It can take months to pluck up the courage, or it can slip out at the wrong time and potentially wreck a relationship.

The build up

• Ask yourself, are you genuinely falling in love with this person? There’s nothing more obvious than a fake ‘I love you’, especially if it’s said in a bid to earn you a quick bunk up. Respect their feelings, and they’ll respect you. Remember, honesty is the best policy!

• Planning. It’s a good idea to know roughly what you’re going to say and when you’re going to say it, but don’t make it into a massive occasion, this may complicate things. Let a little spontaneity rule the moment. If it all sounds a little too stressful, don’t worry! Consider writing a love letter instead. That way, you can draft it to your heart’s content and express anything you wish. Just remember, you’ll have to face them afterwards, and say it in person at some point.

• Their response. It’s all too easy to get so caught up in the moment, you have vigorously planned out in your head how and when you are going to deliver the line that you fail to see beyond it. Don’t go assuming their response will be positive, however, and melt into your arms like the movies. It may come as a great shock to them, or worse they might not feel the same way. Whatever the case, remember to not hold out for the best-case scenario. Unless of course, you’re prepared to wait until you know for sure that they feel the same way.

The big moment

Unfortunately there is no quick-fix way to make this moment painless, but you can deliver the goods by speaking clearly, be bold, and hold eye contact too! It’s no good mumbling the line whilst admiring your shoes, or saying it so quick that you’re obliged to repeat yourself because they didn’t quite catch it the first time. Your intentions are honest and good willed, now give it your best shot – you don’t want to live, only to regret it!

The pay off

Be patient! Even if you don’t get the response you desired straight away, you will have irreversibly changed the dynamics of this relationship, hopefully for the best. If it comes as a surprise, then give them time to digest things, and work out what it means to them. Expressing ones feelings isn’t a crime, and if honorable, should earn you nothing less then respect.