Photo: weheartit
Learn what he really means.
By Christine Schoenwald — Written on Sep 08, 2017
Everyone says “I love you,” but not everyone means it in the same exact way. Look at the all the different ways there are to say I love you, and all the different meanings and nuances.
When someone says “I love you,” do you take it at face-value or do you try to figure out what it is that they really mean? Do they love you like a sister or a friend, or are they in love with you? Do you consult your horoscope for an in-depth look at what he could really be saying?
Check out the video below for advice on how to say "I love you" for the first time:
Often when someone professes their love, you need to take a good hard look at their character and their history. Are they someone who gives their love too easily so that when they say it, it doesn't mean as much? Or, are they someone who means it in the moment but their love is fleeting?
There are times when you need to hold back some and wait to see if those feelings of love are lasting before you commit to anything long-term with them.
There’s an old joke that says telling someone you love them is like pointing a loaded gun at their head. Being told that someone loves you can sometimes feel kind of awkward and you may not know how to respond, especially if you don’t feel the same.
“Thank you?”
“Wait. Why?”
“I love you too... like a friend.”
“I’m sorry.”
I love you. Those three words have so much power and can affect us in so many ways. If you’re unable to interpret exactly what someone means when they say they love you, a good idea is to take a look at their body language. Are they saying one thing while their body says something entirely different?
Astrology can help us translate what guys mean when they say I love you by looking at what each of the zodiac signs generally means when they say it.
ARIES (March 21 - April 19)
When he says, "I love you," Aries means, "I passionately adore you and I love you madly but all that emotion can change in an instant if you don't get me constantly intrigued." Aries loves the chase and if they're feeling bored at all, that love that they declared so passionately can be gone in an instant.
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving An Aries, As Written By One
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)
When he says, "I love you," Taurus means, "I'm close to trusting you and giving you my heart but I just need to make dead sure that you won't hurt me." Taurus takes a long-ass time to make sure that they can trust someone, let alone love them. They're not going to truly love you until you've been vetted properly.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving A Taurus, As Written By One
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)
When he says "I love you," Gemini means, "I can be my authentic self around you and don't have to pretend to be anything I'm not." Geminis can talk to anybody but they're a little more selective when it comes to their emotions. If they say they love you, they mean that they don't have to pretend to be the party boy.
Read: The 13 Brutal Truths About Loving A Gemini, As Written By One
CANCER (June 21 - July 22)
When he says, "I love you," Cancer means, "I will love you forever and beyond all reason. My love for you will never die." Cancers are very emotional and they take love very seriously. It takes a lot for them to get over a broken heart and even when they do, they can mourn their lost love for a long time.
Read: The 5 Brutal Truths About Loving A Cancer, As Written By One
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
When he says, "I love you," Leo means, "You've earned the prize that is my love. I don't give it randomly." Leos have healthy egos and they believe they're the sh*t. When they tell you they love you, they're telling you that you're almost as special as they are.
Read: 6 Brutal Truths About Loving A Leo, As Written By One
VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)
When he says, "I love you," Virgo means, "You have all the qualities I want in a partner: you're brilliant, beautiful, have a great sense of humor, and talent. I can find very few flaws in you." Virgos can be super-picky, so if they're telling you they love you, it means they really love you. They're not a sign that says anything that's not true.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving A Virgo (As Written By A Virgo)
LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)
When he says "I love you," Libra means, "I will always choose you and I will try to continually support you in your pursuits." Libras want to be there for their partners and see things from their point of view. What they really want is to be loved back.
Read: 11 Brutal Truths About Loving A Libra, As Written By One
SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)
When he says, "I love you," Scorpio means, "My love is locked and loaded." Scorpios and their passion are a force of nature. When a Scorpio is in love, they're deeply and (sometimes) obsessively in love.
Read: 14 Brutal Truths About Loving A Scorpio, As Written By One
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)
When he says, "I love you," Sagittarius means, "I love you but don't think that means you can tie me down." Sagittarius has a fear of not being able to do exactly what they want to do when they want to do it. If loving you gets in the way of something, then that love will simply disappear.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving A Sagittarius, As Written By One
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)
When he says, "I love you," Capricorn means, "You're the person I want to build a life with." When a Capricorn says they love you, they mean it. Capricorns are very serious when it comes to love and will do whatever they need to in order to make a relationship work.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving A Capricorn, As Written By One
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)
When he says, "I love you," Aquarius means, "I love you and that's about as mushy as I'm going to get." Aquarians aren't the most emotional sign and telling you that they love you is huge for them.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving An Aquarius, As Written By One
PISCES (February 19 - March 20)
When he says, "I love you," Pisces means, "Here's my heart, try not to break it, but if you do, I'll use my heartbreak in the most creative way possible." Pisces are super-sensitive and often channel their emotions into their art. If they love you, don't be surprised if that love inspires them to create.
Read: 7 Brutal Truths About Loving A Pisces, As Written By One
.......
Christine Schoenwald is a writer, performer, and teacher who loves writing and performing personal narratives. She's had pieces in The Los Angeles Times, Salon, Woman's Day, Purple Clover, Bustle, and is a regular contributor to Ravishly and YourTango. Check out her website or her Facebook page.