Dear Kristi,

I’ve been dating this guy for a little while now and things are going great. We haven’t been together for a really long time, just about two months, but I feel like he could be the one. And I think he feels that way, too. And every time we get off the phone, or when I leave his place, or when I’m bored, I just want to say, “I love you.” But I know that’s a hit or miss sort of thing, and if I say it too soon it could make things really awkward. Then again, I feel like he is thinking the same thing, but I don’t want to be wrong and make myself look like an ass. When is it OK to say it?

— Ready to Love

Dear Ready,

“Hit or miss” was the perfect way to describe this particular dilemma. Every person recognizes the moment when it clicks in their brain that they don’t just like the person they’re with, they love them.

There is never a right amount of time that couples have to be together before it’s appropriate to say, “I love you.” It might take one couple six months, and it might only take a few days for others. People who say it early in relationships are often judged for not taking their time, but if the feelings are genuine between the two people in love, there’s no reason not to say it.

If you truly love him, and you have a gut feeling that he loves you back, say it. There’s a good chance he is just as nervous to say it as you are. And worst case scenario, he doesn’t say it back. So what? At least you’ll know that you were honest about the way you felt.

— Kristi