When do you say “I love you” to someone for the very first time?

You shouldn’t say it the first time you think it,
because the love may change,
or he may not be ready to hear it.

You shouldn’t hold it for forever in your heart,
because the words are a gift,
whose truest purpose is to be given.

There are sunsets and anniversaries and quiet mornings and fits of passion–
all worthy contenders in the answer to this question–
but where and how is not the most important part.

So say it when the words spill out,
when not saying it is impossible,
when it is almost an act of selfish relief.

Say it when the love is so strong that you don’t know what to do about it,
and you have to share it.
So that it becomes yours to hold, together.