Q: What should you do if you say, "I love you" to your partner for the first time but your partner doesn't say the same thing back?
You finally say, "I love you" to your partner, and you get this loud, crushing silence. Don't freak out or storm away. One immediate thing you can say is, "It's OK if you're not there yet."
The length of the relationship is so crucial. If you say it after dating for a month, you have to understand that people disclose, process and let their guard down at different times.
But if you're not exchanging "I love you" at six months, it's time to ask what's going on. The conversation can go something like, "Do you think you will feel that for me?"
Don't give your partner an ultimatum because he or she may respond out of fear not love. Say, "I'm in love with you, I can't see my life without you, but I'm not sure what you see and would like to know where we're going."
I would suggest not saying it again after the first time. You've let it out; now, in your head, set a time when you feel a reciprocation feels right.
– Fran Greene, relationship coach and author of "Dating Again With Courage and Confidence: The Five-Step Plan to Revitalize Your Love Life After Heartbreak, Breakup, Or Divorce"
Silence isn't an automatic red flag. Ask yourself: Does my partner treat me as though he loves me? In other words, does he express his love in other ways? Lots of people easily say, "I love you" without backing it up with loving actions.
Has your partner's behavior changed toward you since you said the words? Has she become more affectionate or attentive, or done something especially thoughtful? If so, this could be her nonverbal way of expressing her love for you.
On the other hand, if your partner becomes more withdrawn or unavailable, that needs to be addressed too.
If you still find yourself confused, ask if your partner feels the same way. And be prepared for whatever the answer might be.
– Francesca Hogi, relationship expert at OkCupid
Social Graces asks two experts for advice on awkward situations.
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