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The First “I Love You” – How to Say it and Get It Right

The first “I love you” is always going to be the toughest. Don’t let the pressure get to you, though! Here are ways to pull it off with a breeze.

the first I love you

You look at your significant other and you know that this is the face that you want to wake up to in the morning and the last image you want to see before you drift off to sleep. You have overwhelming feelings toward this person, and can’t stop yourself anymore. [Read: When should you say “I love you” for the first time?]

You simply must tell your partner that you love them. But how exactly can you do this in the sweetest, most memorable way?

How to say “I love you” for the first time and get it right

Saying I love you for the first time can make it or break it for you. Here are a few tips to help you give this milestone the pizzazz it deserves.

#1 No holds barred. When you feel it, you say it. Right then and there. It’s an instinctive feeling that most people have encountered. There is nothing wrong with saying “I love you” when you feel like saying it. Whatever triggered your emotions to form these three words inside your head and prompted your lips to say it must be significant enough to justify just laying it out there. Don’t hold back.

It may happen in the middle of grocery shopping or when you’re driving or while you’re showering together. If you’ve thought it, you’re feeling it, then there is nothing more beautiful than conveying what you feel, spontaneously if need be. [Read: How to tell a special someone that you’re in love]

#2 It’s sushi and movie night. And it’s about to end, even though you don’t it want to. Even though you have been doing sushi and movie night for quite some time now, you still get that feeling of elation and bliss, as if you are just on your first few dates. And you just can’t help but tell your significant other what you feel.

So you say it. Tell them you love them. After having spent a wonderful evening or day with them, it is the best way to cap off the date and also the best way to begin a long and meaningful relationship. [Read: 10 romantic and memorable ways to say “I love you” for the first time]

#3 Snail mails are forever. If you want to be old school, you can write a long, handwritten letter to your loved one and say exactly how you feel about them. And before you end the letter, say ‘I love you’. Even though you’ve written every possible form of I love you all throughout your letter, writing down those three words makes a huge difference. With written proof of your confession of love, they can relive the moment again and again by simply rereading your letter *and beaming to themselves all the while*.

But don’t forget that when you give this letter to your significant other, you have to be there so you can still say it to them in person. Nothing beats hearing it as well.

#4 Soft and gentle. Like a whisper. You have quiet moments with your partner where you just lie down, cuddle, or stare at the ceiling while stroking each other’s hair. You are both relaxed and enjoying each other’s company, even though you are not really doing anything. The ambiance is perfect, both of you are comfortable and in each other’s solace.

If you are in this scenario, you can whisper the words in your partner’s ear. Push back some errant strands of your partner’s hair and whisper, “I love you.”

#5 The best way to anybody’s heart is always through their stomach. Prepare an elaborate, home-cooked meal, complete with an appetizer, viands to choose from, dessert and of course, some great wine to complement what you have made. Ask for your partner’s preferences and don’t just cook what you feel like eating. Don’t forget about the table setting as well, and perhaps, romantic background music. Candles would also add that romantic effect, and it will make your partner feel extra special.

Doing this for your partner may be the enough to show them that you love them, but don’t just leave it at that. After the dessert, cap off your dinner date by uttering the three words you’ve been dying to say. [Read: 13 romantic dinner date ideas]

#6 It’s karaoke night! You may or may not like singing, but admit it, the music and lyrics of a song can convey honest feelings unlike any other. Which is why singing is also a way of telling your significant other how you feel about them.

Make sure that you have chosen and practiced the song you’ll be singing. Also, make sure that this song is available in the karaoke place that you will go to. The song that you have chosen should have the words “I love you” in it. And once you sing those lyrics, make sure you look straight into your partner’s eyes.

#7 Sand in your toes, waves in your ears. Have you ever thought of going to a romantic beach getaway? Even if only for the weekend? This is a perfect way to say that you love your partner. Make it a surprise, and plan a romantic weekend beach getaway.

When you are both on the shore watching the sunset, scribble “I love you” on the sand and let your partner read it.

#8 Sky is the limit. Release those creative juices. You can type I love you on a small strip of paper and insert it in a fortune cookie. You can order pizza and ask the pizza place to write “I love you” on top with melted cheese or pepperoni toppings. You can buy an ad space in a newspaper or magazine and print your message to your partner there. The important thing is your presence when your partner finally gets to read the message. [Read: 10 most adorable ways to say “I love you”]

#9 Look at the stars, look how they shine for you. Is there an open space where you and your partner can lie down and watch the stars at night? If there is an area near your place, plan for a little star gazing. It can be a rooftop or a park that allows people to stay until the wee hours of the night. Lay down some sheets, bring binoculars and blankets.

One thing that you can do, when you and your partner are comfortably settled, is to suggest that they use your binoculars. But before you even have this trip, outline the words, I love you, on a piece of paper that can fit the round glasses of your binoculars. So when your partner tries to peek through it, they will see these words.

#10 Bare. These days, it’s not uncommon for couples to make love before they even discuss the possibility of being in love. That’s not an issue, and it can even work to your advantage. After a lusty romp between the sheets, while you’re still recovering from your endorphin high, place your hands on both sides of your partner’s face and say “I love you,” as you stare into their eyes.

Chances are, your partner will also be filled with emotions and good vibrations, and he or she might be tempted to return the sentiment right there and there.

Saying “I love you” for the first time will come with different circumstances for each person. You can choose to say it right then and there or wait for the moment when you feel like it is the right time to say it. While some prefer to say it upfront, others would like to say it in a special and memorable manner. There is nothing wrong with that. [Read: 10 reasons why saying “I love you” too soon sucks]

Do what is most comfortable to you. As long as the emotions are real, and you are not forcing yourself to say “I love you,” the odds are high that your partner will utter the same three words back to you.

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Geninna Ariton
Geninna Ariton
Daydreaming of pristine white sand beaches and attempting to beat her 40 books read in a year record, she is a preschool teacher by day and a writer by night. N...
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