Soulmate Gem
Photo by Michelle Leman Pexels Logo Photo: Michelle Leman

What to do if someone loves you but you don t love them back?

What to say if someone says 'I love you' when you don't feel the same way If you think you could eventually fall in love with them, focus on the potential. If you don't think you'll ever love them, it might be time to discuss the relationship. If you don't love someone anymore, it could be time to end the relationship. More items... •

What age do you start dating your soulmate?
What age do you start dating your soulmate?

And, according to the findings, the average age you'll find your partner varies from gender to gender. That's right - the research found that the...

Read More »
What does it mean when you lock eyes with a guy?
What does it mean when you lock eyes with a guy?

What does locking eyes with someone mean? Eye-lock is a very powerful level of eye contact attraction; it has the power to convey deep feelings and...

Read More »

I t’s hard to know what to say when someone tells you they love you and you don’t feel the same. In some cases, it might spark a discussion about the future of the relationship.

Above all, you shouldn't feel pressured to say it back.

Whether you’re not ready to reciprocate or you simply don’t feel that way about the other person, it can be a challenge to figure out how to respond when someone says "I love you."

Here are a few tips for handling this tricky situation.

If you think you could eventually fall in love with them, focus on the potential. Individuals in a relationship aren’t guaranteed to experience falling in love at the same pace. If your partner has reached a place where they feel comfortable expressing their love but you still need more time, you should start by acknowledging how much you currently care for them. "Tell them the depth of your feelings, in detail," relationship expert Susan Winter told Bustle. "Include the ways in which they make you happy and add value to your life." By focusing on all the positive feelings you have toward the person, you’re cushioning the blow they’re undoubtedly feeling at not hearing you return the sentiment. "If you can’t yet say 'I love you,' then it's best to describe the growing emotional connection you're feeling your mate. This provides security, as it shows you're both moving in the same directions," Winter told Bustle. If words don’t seem like enough, a token of physical affection may help to show you’re still invested in the relationship even if you’re not ready to declare your love. "If the ‘I love you’ is wanted, just not yet reciprocated, then I suggest a physical response of appreciation," relationship expert Kim Olver told Her Campus. If you don’t think you’ll ever love them, it might be time to discuss the relationship. If you know that you aren’t likely to ever feel the same way as your partner, it might be best to be honest. "Telling someone you don’t love them is likely a starting point to thoughts of whether or not you even want to continue the relationship," relationship therapist Aimee Hartstein told Bustle.

What are the 3 C's of grief?
What are the 3 C's of grief?

choose, connect, communicate Practice the three C's As you build a plan, consider the “three Cs”: choose, connect, communicate. Choose: Choose...

Read More »
Who is the God of love married to?
Who is the God of love married to?

Aphrodite Consort Hephaestus (divorced) Ares (unmarried consort) Children Eros, Phobos, Deimos, Harmonia, Pothos, Anteros, Himeros, Hermaphroditus,...

Read More »

This might be a chance to have an honest conversation about the future of the relationship. If you don’t love someone anymore, it could be time to end the relationship. If you find yourself on the receiving end of love without feeling any in return, that could be a sign your relationship is in a difficult place. "When desire has left, it’s next to impossible to coax is to come back," family therapist Vikki Stark told Psychology Today. "And that can be a sadness for the person who no longer feels the want, as well." It's possible to love someone while feeling like you're not actually in love with them anymore. When that happens, it could be worth considering whether the relationship is salvageable or if it would be healthier to end things. If they react to not hearing "I love you" with anger, it may be a red flag. Professing feelings of love would make anyone feel vulnerable or disappointed, so you should expect your partner to be dealing with certain level of sadness or even embarrassment. However, if they seem genuinely angry that you don’t reciprocate their feelings, it could be a red flag. "If your partner is feeling that you have to say it back or else the relationship is over, or I have to go find someone else, or they don't really care about me, that's immaturity," dating coach Kate Stewart told Refinery29. "There has to be space for people to develop those feelings on their own." Not feeling the same way at the same time shouldn't be used as a breakup threat or ultimatum for finding someone else. Above all, you should never feel pressured to return an "I love you" if that’s not how you’re actually feeling.

For more great stories, head to INSIDER's homepage.

What age gap is legal?
What age gap is legal?

The highest state age of consent in the United States is 18. Federal law makes it criminal to engage in a sexual act with another person who is...

Read More »
What are the five zodiac signs that can fight?
What are the five zodiac signs that can fight?

To know more about where you stand in terms of anger, fights and arguments, you should take a closer look at what astral element, your sign falls...

Read More »
How does it feel to be with your soulmate?
How does it feel to be with your soulmate?

You feel an effortless connection A soulmate can be someone who is incredibly compatible with you. They are someone who enjoys the things you do,...

Read More »
How do I strengthen my soul?
How do I strengthen my soul?

Finally, let's look at some things you can do to strengthen your soul. Practice gratitude. Gratitude trains your brain to let go of negative...

Read More »