Spring 2010, Issue 2

OPINIONS


When do you say "I love you?"

By Chanel Rivest



How long should a woman wait to sleep with someone? Most say it's when you feel comfortable enough to be naked around him and you're sexually attracted to him. But just make sure he's into you for the right reasons.

If he's a totally different person when he's around his friends, it's a no-go. He might be insecure about you. Also look out for the guy who is always intoxicated when you see him. Odds are he's got a problem and can't handle his booze. If you meet while either of you is intoxicated, does that mean your relationship is automatically doomed for failure? Definitely not. But make sure that those beer goggles come off the next time you see each other. And hope that it's not a completely horrifying experience. He may not be as funny or cute as when he was drunk.

Many women wonder why it seems like the only time their boyfriends want to be affectionate is when they want sex. Unfortunately, many men are not as affectionate as women. Most are made to do one thing. Also, it doesn't help that we remember most clearly the bad times we experience.

Most women can probably remember good times spent cuddling with their significant others. There is nothing wrong with just wanting to hold or kiss the person you're in a relationship with. But you can't deny that you've turned down at least one of those over-the-top nice guys. We often mistake their sweetness for clinginess.

Is the reason we get involved in relationships because we want to claim someone as our own? For some, it's because they feel a special connection and don't want to see a significant other spreading his love to anyone else. But does labeling someone as your boyfriend make him yours, or does a ring have to be involved?

There is some sort of ownership over a person once labeled a boyfriend or girlfriend. Are there unwritten rules to be followed? When do the words "I love you" really mean something?

When a person says, "I love you," there should be a funny feeling in your heart or stomach. Whenever the other person is not around, there should be a longing to be near him or her again. Is it possible to say those three special words too soon? Even if the feelings seem to be mutual, you could still get into trouble by saying you love someone. Knowing when you love someone is one thing. Knowing when to say so is another thing. You won't know how your significant other feels about you until you talk about it. It's a conversation that may not be as simple as it sounds.

An open and honest relationship is the best kind to have. Just be aware that if you do say those three words aloud, it won't always work out.