Dear Dr. Date,

My boyfriend and I have been seeing each other for a couple months now, and things are going great. We always have fun when we’re together — I think this could be the real deal. 

But… last night he told me he loved me. Over Snapchat. And it gets worse. 

He sent three separate pictures, one for each word accompanied by different close-up angles of his face (as if one forehead shot proclaiming his love wasn’t bad enough). I’ve never been told I love you before (and I guess I still haven’t), but I always thought it would be a really romantic moment where we both shared our feelings. In-person. This was far from it. 

I didn’t know what to say back… Do I also send a photo? Do I err on the serious side and confess my feelings over Snap text? I was so overwhelmed and confused that I said I needed time to process, but he became upset and now he won’t speak to me. I really like him, but I don’t know if we can get past this cringeworthy confession. What do I do?

Sincerely,

Love Letter without the Postage

Dear Love Letter without the Postage,

His whole behavior sounds kinda middle school — I am sorry that you have to relive those dark days. Saying I love you is a big moment in a relationship, and while it doesn’t need to be perfect, it also doesn’t need to involve the Snapchat ghost.  

If he can’t communicate to you how much he cares about you in-person, how will you be able to talk about other important parts of your relationship? You don’t want him to ask you to marry him via Instagram DM (trust me on this one). 

I would say let him down gently. Or take a note from his book and send him multiple Snaps of your face with the captions: “It’s. Over.” 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Date