10 ways to respond to “I love you” without saying “me too”

Despite being in a stable relationship, you may not feel ready to hear and respond to those wonderful – but sometimes complicated – words that are part of a couple: “I love you.”

The complex thing about the situation is that in most relationships there is someone who finds it very easy to express their feelings openly.

While the other feels the obligation to reciprocate to get by, and must resort to “I love you too,” even when he or she does not yet feel it, in his or her desire to avoid hurting the partner or making them doubt the affection they have. yes feel.

So how do you respond to “I love you” when you still don’t feel the same? Here we present some of the alternatives you can take to get out of that situation without necessarily hurting the other person.

1. I guessed it!

Although it seems like a somewhat ironic, and even egotistical, phrase, stating that you already imagined it accompanied by a passionate kiss will leave your conquest so convinced of your affection that she will barely notice what you said to her.

2. There are two of us now!

Let’s imagine the situation: both of you are embracing in a very romantic place, where you can see each other’s eyes and declare your passion. And then someone says: “I love you!”

Instead of remaining petrified and letting an uncomfortable silence grow that is often immediately misinterpreted, better respond quickly: “There are two of us!”

It is a simple phrase, which does not require you to declare feelings that you are not ready to express.

3. I love myself too!

It can be very good to respond: “I love myself too!”, only if your partner has a good sense of humor. Otherwise, don’t try it, because you may look very bad or even hurt the other person.

In my personal experience, the first time I responded this way they stopped talking to me for several days (I think it sounded like mockery), but on subsequent occasions I learned to express it subtly, while adding a wink of the eye, a smile and a warm kiss.

They never complained to me for responding with that phrase.

4. I thank you

Just think about it, if it were you who said “I love you” and the other person responded “I thank you for that”, it means that they appreciate your love and are willing to be by your side because the feeling is reciprocal. This is what anyone who is in love wants to hear!

Thanking is synonymous with retribution. It is equivalent to being there as a demonstration of equality, because only in the company of that special person, can you feel complete. Maybe it’s not literally an expression of love, but it’s pretty close.

5. I prefer stocks

Saying I love you during these times can seem insignificant, due to how common the phrase has become.

So you can choose to tell your partner that you simply don’t like clichés and that you prefer to show love with actions, rather than with the same words.

Let him know that you are in a relationship that means a lot to you and that fulfills you emotionally, so you don’t need to hear or say those exact words to know what you both feel.

If anything, you can speak candidly about the importance of actions over words. Or as the saying expresses: “Loves are works.”

6. Ditto

If you saw the movie Ghost: the shadow of a loveyou will remember that in several scenes the protagonist tells her boyfriend “I love you”, but he always responds “ditto”.

In the film there is no doubt that the character loved her, because there is a reason why his soul remains wandering restlessly after he was murdered. However, in the movie – and for many in real life – there are other ways to show or verbalize love.

Perhaps you are afraid of commitment or of being hurt emotionally, which is why saying “I love you” may be more difficult than normal.

Idem, by meaning, is a response that expresses “the same.” So technically you are acknowledging your love, but without using those dreaded words, it can help take some of the pressure off you may be feeling in that moment.

7. I miss you

It can be very useful in your case that every time you notice your partner approaching with that expression of love in his or her eyes, you kiss him or her and say, “I miss you!” before he declares his love.

This is a tactic to divert your attention from the conversation because you will have to respond to something else, at least momentarily.

Even if he already told you the phrase you were trying to avoid, telling him that you’ve been missing him is still a way of showing affection.

But don’t trust yourself, this strategy only works a limited number of times. You can’t avoid feelings forever.

8. Me more!

Simply hug him tightly when he tells you that he loves you and tell him “me more.” He will surely feel satisfied and happy because his feelings are reciprocated.

But if you’re not really feeling it, look for another option on this list. This is an original way to respond, but if you care about the relationship it should never be fake.

9. I feel vulnerable

Responding this way is a gesture of love in itself, because you are honest with your partner. Don’t tremble when your boyfriend or girlfriend expresses themselves emotionally, respond in the same way if you feel that way.

Since you inevitably know that at any moment he is going to tell you that he loves you and you feel that this worries you, the next time explain to him that you feel vulnerable with his words, that every time he expresses his feelings to you you feel that your heart shrinks and your mind remains blank.

There is nothing wrong with telling him this, because it doesn’t mean that you don’t love him, but rather that perhaps those expressions of affection are a little more difficult for you. If so, explain that you have never met anyone so special who expressed their love so clearly.

10. Explain it to me

This can be an expression that gets you out of trouble easily. The next time she says “I love you” or “I love you,” hug her, look straight into her eyes and say, “Explain to me why.”

The anxiety you feel when someone tells you they love you most likely comes from the fact that you don’t value yourself enough or that you’re surprised that they can feel those emotions for you. It’s normal and it happens a lot.

So by asking them to explain their feelings to you, you give your partner the opportunity to express their affection honestly, but it is also an opportunity for you to reflect on their words and your own feelings.

In conclusion

These are just a few of the many answers you can offer without coming off as insensitive. Remember that silence, a kiss or a deep look into your partner’s eyes can also be options to resort to if you find yourself in a bind and can’t find the courage to say the words.

Actions are usually more than enough to express true feelings, even without words.

Each and every one of these options are valid as long as you really love your partner. If you don’t feel the same way, you also have the option of being honest with your partner and telling them that, at least for now, you’re not at that point in the relationship. That doesn’t mean you won’t fall in love, but that you still need to get to know her more.

It is preferable not to act selfishly, to speak the truth and allow the other person to find someone who can love them without restrictions. In any case, honesty between both is worth more than any words.

Did you like this article? If you know other expressions to respond without saying “I love you too!”, do not hesitate to leave us your ideas in the comments section.

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