My [36M] girlfriend [34F] told me she thinks she is falling in love with me. Is it safe for me to say "I love you" now?

My girlfriend and I have been dating for seven weeks and one day. We clicked right away after meeting at a party and are both very excited about the relationship. I feel such a connection with her and I care about her deeply. I have been wanting to say "I love you" to her lately. On one occasion recently, I'm pretty sure she uttered "I love you" to me as we were falling asleep, but it happened quickly and she said it quietly and the tv was also on so I wasn't positive and had to ask her what she said, and she hesitated for a second and then said she had just said goodnight. Something similar happened earlier this week. And then, the last time we were together we were sitting on my porch swing late in the evening, cuddling, and she came right out and said, "I think I'm falling in love with you." I told her I feel the same way. I think she is a little scared, as am I, but I think it was a good feeling for both of us. I certainly felt great after hearing her say that.

Here is my question. Is it now appropriate for me to say those three little words to her? We are taking a road trip this weekend, which presents an interesting opportunity. I so want to tell her I love her, but also want to wait an appropriate amount of time, say it at the right time, not cause her to freak out, etc. I can't wait to tell her, and I think it will feel amazing, but I don't want to say it prematurely or put unnecessary pressure on either of us. At the same time, she has told me she thinks she's falling in love with me, which suggests she would likely say it back (and that she may get the wrong idea if I don't say it soon?). Also, she has sort of said it to me, in a cautious and slightly muted way, twice. But at the same time, I don't want to force it and we should both say it to each other at a time when we have a certain level of comfort saying it.

Thoughts? Obviously, I know every relationship is unique and there is no exact right time to say it. But I would greatly appreciate any feedback.

tl;dr - My girlfriend of about 7 weeks told me she thinks she is falling in love with me. Can I now say 'I love you' to her, or should I wait a little longer?

Submitted August 02, 2019 at 12:02AM

My girlfriend and I have been dating for seven weeks and one day. We clicked right away after meeting at a party and are both very excited about the relationship. I feel such a connection with her and I care about her deeply. I have been wanting to say "I love you" to her lately. On one occasion recently, I'm pretty sure she uttered "I love you" to me as we were falling asleep, but it happened quickly and she said it quietly and the tv was also on so I wasn't positive and had to ask her what she said, and she hesitated for a second and then said she had just said goodnight. Something similar happened earlier this week. And then, the last time we were together we were sitting on my porch swing late in the evening, cuddling, and she came right out and said, "I think I'm falling in love with you." I told her I feel the same way. I think she is a little scared, as am I, but I think it was a good feeling for both of us. I certainly felt great after hearing her say that.Here is my question. Is it now appropriate for me to say those three little words to her? We are taking a road trip this weekend, which presents an interesting opportunity. I so want to tell her I love her, but also want to wait an appropriate amount of time, say it at the right time, not cause her to freak out, etc. I can't wait to tell her, and I think it will feel amazing, but I don't want to say it prematurely or put unnecessary pressure on either of us. At the same time, she has told me she thinks she's falling in love with me, which suggests she would likely say it back (and that she may get the wrong idea if I don't say it soon?). Also, she has sort of said it to me, in a cautious and slightly muted way, twice. But at the same time, I don't want to force it and we should both say it to each other at a time when we have a certain level of comfort saying it.Thoughts? Obviously, I know every relationship is unique and there is no exact right time to say it. But I would greatly appreciate any feedback.tl;dr - My girlfriend of about 7 weeks told me she thinks she is falling in love with me. Can I now say 'I love you' to her, or should I wait a little longer?