DEAR MISS MANNERS: Please, can you lend some insight? When is the proper time to say "I love you" to a new love?
When you first know it to be true? When you think it is likely to elicit an "I love you" in return? Is it possible to say the words without it sounding like an attempt to elicit the same from the object of one's affections -- as a sort of romantic FYI?
GENTLE READER: Some insight: You do not want the other person to respond, "Thank you," "I'm very fond of you," "I'm flattered" or "Why don't we catch a movie?" So while Miss Manners does not claim it to be impolite to make a declaration of love to someone you do not believe is ready to reciprocate, she would not advise it.
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