I just lost my entire post so this will probably be brief
Me & the boy:
-both 23 and college grads
-had instant connection the first time we met
-been dating for 4 months
-waited 2 months til being intimate
Me:
-I know he's the one
-I'm in love with him and have almost slipped and said it multiple occasions
-I feel childish for wanting to tell him after 4 months
-My last serious relationship was when I was 19 and ended when I was 21. That was the last time I've said I love you & it was real.
The boy:
-When we began dating, he told me he liked me a lot constantly (not as often now, though)
-After a month of dating he told me he wanted to make sure we don't rush into being boyfriend and girlfriend. & how he felt as if our relationship was real. As if he could be himself and didn't have to hide anything about himself to me.
-Initially was weird about putting our relationship on facebook but after 3 months he initiated it without me asking.
-Invites me to family events, I've already met a significant portion of his extended family.
The Question:
In fear of him still afraid of us "rushing into things," my gut tells me I should wait to tell him I love you until I'm about to burst. Until I can't take it anymore. But personally, I'm ready to let him know. I'm sure he can tell from my actions that I'm crazy about him but I want to tell him although I'm afraid of what opening up to him in that manner will cause. I love him so much that all the fears that come with being in a relationship don't matter to me anymore. They're still there but I'm willing to put myself out there. But I in no way want to change our relationship for the worse all because I said "I love you" too soon.
I feel kind of silly for feeling like this at 23. It's like I'm 19 all over again haha.