I think it's very necessary. There's something I've said for years,

"Just because someone doesn't love you the way you think they should, doesn't mean they don't love you."

Someone could be showing they love another by the things they do for them, with them, or because of them and the message may not go through as intended. I think the words anchor the actions.

Actions are more important, but I still think it is necessary

I like to hear it but actions speak louder than words

actions speak louder than words

It's a nice affirmation, but actions have to back it up.

I don't say it unless I mean it. I once dated a guy and he said it in the first week we were dating. It was awkward because he called me out on not saying it back and I had to explain that while I liked him, I didn't "love" him.

Now that I am with my husband we say it constantly to each other, but it never feels forced and we always make sure our actions reflect our love as well.

I love that my wife and I say it, but it's even better that we back it up. If she had a past similar to yours it wouldn't be a big deal to me if she didn't feel like she could say it. Maybe over time she would be able to, but it means more to me that she shows it.

When I first told my man that I loved him it was after he had told me. Not immediately but days. I don't just say that if I don't mean it.

I'm also an aspie and not big on going overboard with emotions (most of the month, lol) so I told him that due to that I may not say it that often. The odd thing is that I do end up saying it often. It's not like I don't mean it. I just think he opened me up more.

It can be tricky, but I find it an important expression both ways.

I think it's only necessary if you don't over use it and actually only say it when you're really feeling the emotion

My hubby had a hang up over the words "I love you" he was with "the ONE" and shortly after saying the L word and giving her a promise ring (they were young) she needed space and left him. To him, things were fine before that, so that must have been what caused her to flee.

It took him 9 months to say, which isn't super long, but considering we had been living together for 8 of those, it was kind of weird, you know? I said it first, around 6 months. I was careful not to say it too often, never expected it back in return. For me, if I love you, you need to know. It's something I like to express often as that's how I grew up, I do back it up with my actions, of course though! Words mean nothing if actions speak otherwise.

Anyways...I could tell through his actions that he loved me, whether or not he was willing to say the words. I never doubted it. However...I didn't truly feel like we would work out long term, if he couldn't break down those walls, trust me enough, feel confident enough in us to say those words. Really, it was less about the words, and more about the reasons why he was uncomfortable saying them, if that makes sense? Because he felt so strongly about those words, it was that much more significant for me, that he be able to say them to me eventually.