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The “L” Word: What to do if he doesn’t say it back

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.

 


Like several other four-letter words I know, “L.O.V.E” can send a man running for the hills. Regardless of how great of a guy he is or if you think he is “the one,” rushing into saying the “L” word can scare a guy off. But, don’t freak out if you dropped the L-bomb on your man.

Here is what to do if you said I love you, but he didn’t say it back:

Don’t say it again 
“He must have not heard me the first time… I’d better say it again.” Wrong! I’m sure he heard you loud and clear. By asking him again, he will think you are cornering him into saying what you want to hear. And well, you kind of are. He will return the favor when he is ready. Plus, do you really want to hear crickets when you say it again? I don’t think so. Do yourself a favor, and let him say it when he is ready.

Don’t follow up with “Just Kidding” 
When we get embarrassed, we try to play it cool. But if you said the “L” word because you meant it, don’t turn around and take it back. It’s tempting to try to make light of the situation, but it’s better to just own up to how you feel. He can’t be mad at you for being honest — maybe a little creeped out — but not mad.

Take some time to think it over 
Do you really love him, or were you caught up in the moment? Although you could be dating a jerk, it’s also possible that you yourself are rushing into things. Before you go on and get upset that he didn’t say he loves you back, make sure it’s actually what you want to hear.

Give him some space 
Even though all you want to do right now is rack his brain to figure out what the heck he is thinking… try to resist. When you don’t get the response you want, it doesn’t necessarily mean the relationship is doomed or that he doesn’t like you. Before jumping on his case with questions like, “Where do you see us in 5 years?” and “What are you thinking about right now?” give him some time to himself. I’m not saying excommunicate him out of anger, but giving him a little room can go a long way.

Putting yourself out there and not hearing “I love you, too” can be a giant slap in the face. But don’t get discouraged; if you think he is a keeper, he will come around.

Source: weheartit.com

Cara oversees Her Campus Media's community department and serves as strategic lead for the expansion, development and management of all HCM communities, including the Her Campus Chapter Network, InfluenceHer Collective, College Fashionista, Spoon University, Campus Trendsetters, alumni and high school. She works closely with company leadership to develop new community-related sales offerings and the Integrated Marketing team to support all community-focused client marketing programs from end to end. Cara has experience working with high-profile talent, such as Jessica Alba, Andrew Yang, Amber Tamblyn, Aja Naomi King, Troian Bellisario, Jessica Marie Garcia, Nico Tortorella, Nastia Liukin, Rebecca Minkoff, Cecile Richards and Samantha Power, as well as brands like Coca-Cola, L'Oréal Paris, The New York Times, HBO, Uber, H&M and more. Having been a part of the HC family since 2011, Cara served as Campus Correspondent of the HC chapter at the University of Florida where she studied journalism, women’s studies and leadership. A New Yorker turned Floridian, Cara has a Friends quote for any situation. You can usually find her with her friends and family at the beach, a concert or live sports event or binge-watching Grey's Anatomy or Sons of Anarchy. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @thecararose.