Well the topic title isnt really true.
I have a wonderful boyfriend, and we have been together since May 9th last year.
We met at a party and drunkenly went home together 
but then he msgd me asking me out the following weekend for dinner and a movie.
However the night before our date, I got date raped. Its a long story that I dont want to get into as I am finally coming to terms with the whole thing.
Anyhoo, he has been great with helping me through everything.And I am TOTALLY smitten. I actually think that I am starting to.. fall for him...
The reason for my post is, that he is 23 and I am 20. And he has had some bad relationship experiences and what not- as have I. But sometimes I wonder how he feels about me. Like is it harder for guys that are older to fall for someone? We have been together a while so..
I dont wanna blurt out "i think i'm falling for you..." or something to that extent and look silly you know?
Any advice? or opinions?
To be honest, I suggest that you just hold off on saying anything. I think it will be more meaningful if you wait to tell him until you actually have something to tell him. As you stated you're "just starting to fall for him." So don't push it just yet. Let things advance. He may "just" be starting to fall for you too. That isn't a bad thing. It means you're on the same page. Rather than push turning to shove and "I love you" being the next best thing to say.
You don't want to put yourself in a situation where you hear an "I love you" response, simply because you said it first. You want to make sure it is genuine when it is said to you, so wait until you, yourself, are genuine in saying it.
It's creepy when people tell you "I Love You" when you aren't feeling the same way. Those words can add a lot of pressure when feelings just aren't mutual.
It's good to know he doesn't randomly say those words. He obviously feels the same way you do, in that he doesn't want to say the words too early. I suggest you talk to him theoretically about the future. See what his goals and plans are. It's good to know if he sees you in his future. If it is apparent you are strong in his plans, let the feelings grow at their own pace. If you aren't strong in his future, you need to either push the conversation, or let him know that you had bigger plans, and it is obvious he doesn't feel the same way.
Nobody can define for you when the right time is to say those words. The right time for you is when you feel it undeniably. This obviously isn't that time, so let it linger and grow a bit longer. If you're just now thinking you might be falling, wait to fall. He may just surprise you and say it first.
I've seen a lot of girls push their boyfriends into saying it. I've seen several girls push their boyfriends into committing and proposing too. Shoot. I've seen girls pick out their rings and tell their boyfriends when to propose. >_<
yeah thanks for that last reply i think thats the piece of advice im going to go with. it made alot of sense so thanks.
that is not a bad age difference...when i met my wife i was 21 and she was 18....we were engaged 2 months later and when we were married i was 23 and she was a few days short of 21....and it ended horribly and my life is ruined....just joking....ok bad joke!! lol i thought it was funny....(i am sick, i know) any way, we have been married for 7 1/2 years 2 kids and life is great ( i am serious this time) i never wanted to get married or have kids til i met her...when you know, believe me, you know!!!
At some point you may well have to be the one to take the leap. If/when it comes, don't hesitate.
There's precious few chances for real happiness in this life. Don't waste them out of fear.
Down in wabasha? Isn't that here in Minnesota?
Someone in the forum mentioned how we "pick out our rings'' and tell men when to propose.. This means absolutely nothing.. trust me. We like to fantasize, dream, create scenarios in our heads.. and also verbalize them.. I look at wedding dresses all the time, and send my baby pictures of them. I tell him this is the dress I will marry him in. That doesn't mean I want him to purpose. That doesn't mean I even want to marry him in the next few years.. It's just something us ladies do. So many things we express to our partners are taken out of context.
