Maybe it is your wise mind saying that knowing this guy for only 4-5 weeks is not long enough to say I love you. I realize you knew him before, but times has gone by and both of you have changed, hopefully. Sit with your instinct that his love is overwhelming to you at this time. Sit with your feelings that how you feel is OKAY and that even if he is expressive of his love, it is perfectly fine for you to pull back or wonder what the heck is going on. Stop trying to be a people pleaser and start to know yourself and understand yourself. This guy would make me anxious, too, more than likely. He comes on strong and maybe this isn't your bad or wrong, maybe he simply comes on way too strong. Just sit with that and I encourage you to journal on paper how you feel. Go ahead and write the words, I feel afraid, if that is where you anxiety comes from. Go ahead and write, I do not feel as strongly as he feels and I feel smothered, if that is how you feel. I want you to examine and stay strong with your own feelings and not assume this guy is perfect, or being so good to you, etc. Don't say to yourself that you are wrong for not wanting to declare undying love at this time. (Personally, I think you are very wise to not jump into the river of love after a month.) Love takes time to grow, wisdom says let people show you who they really are which takes time. I would also say read every comment here and really think about how that comment is correct with your own feelings or how it isn't. This will help you refine and engage your ownership and the okayness of how you feel. It is okay for you to take charge of how you feel and say to him, don't rush me, slow down, let's know each other more before we decide this is love. Quick love sometimes becomes dying love when reality becomes evident.

If you are not in love, then you are not in love, allow yourself to be loved. Enjoy the expression of love he is showing. Enjoy yourself and your feelings, they are true and they are yours.
I personally just entered a relationship with my best friends late wife. I was helping her after he passed here and there, She started dating. We talked from time to time and started hanging out and doing things together. I had been thinking how uncomfortable I was going to be hanging out with her for the weekend on a hiking trip. We hiked, camped, hung out, read, watched a movie, and then I just knew she was the one. We decided that Sunday morning before church to be mutually exclusive. We texted, talked, and did things together all last month. I have laid down all my baggage to her to let her know what she was in for with me. She came back with I love you and I want to be with you forever. So to ensure we are not in the honeymoon phase we are staying away from each other except on the weekends. I have a rule no sex until marriage. Just like you I could date anyone I want. I was not dating anyone at the time we started to date. I was working on myself healing growing and getting to know myself, for the last year+.
I have been in relationships before, I knew they were not going to go anywhere and ended them. Although it was fun dating and hanging out, it was not right. I dont regret being in the relationships I learned something in every one of them.
I practice loving someone in such a way so I do not fear losing them.
Be honest with yourself, be honest with him. Love yourself as you should and if it is meant to be that the you two are designed to be together then let it happen. Dont worry about him, focus on yourself, focusing on being the best version of yourself that you can be.
Keep a journal of your feelings and emotions, they are yours to enjoy, feel and be thankful for.

I pray you are safe and healthy.

Thank you for your insight. I hear what u are saying but I am scared and fearful he won't understand or I will loose a good thing because of my negativity about myself

You have absolutely no control over his feelings or how he reacts. That’s his stuff and not for you to take on.

Choose yourself right now. Plus if he’s a good guy and emotionally healthy he will understand. If he can’t then it will be obvious to you that you are not losing a good thing.

One thing I’ve learned is in order to have a healthy and secure relationship you need to have that with yourself first,

You will have Some self doubt but if your constantly self doubting yourself that will eventually be the demise of relationships.

The #1 person you need to make happy is yourself and you need to find that within yourself


Take things slow and tell him I want take things slow you don’t need give him a reason if he really does love you he will respect that .

Big hug for you Want.....I am so sorry that you're suffering from depression and anxiety.... Starting a new relationship with all of that on your plate is a lot

It's great that you're starting therapy... If you are feeling suicidal please reach out for more help or go to emerg

I would try and take things one day, one hour or one moment at a time right now

We have good Depression and Anxiety boards on here..... another hug.... Depression is a treatable illness

It will take some time to start to feel better but you will sweetie..... Another big hug....xo

Thank you suncloud

I so totally agree with SunCloud. Sage advice and hugs are always good. Here’s a hug from me, as well. Thank you for connecting with a therapist for next week. Peace!

Thank you all you are giving me support and I really appreciate all of you hugs!

What urban gardener said

I am so glad to hear that you are seeing a therapist they can be so helpful when it comes to thoughts that come into our minds. One thing therapy and counseling helped me with was to realize that I control what my minds dwells on. It is a choice. I choose what thoughts I allow into my head. I don't have to dwell on every thought that pops into my head. You do have control of what your mind dwells on. Praying that you are healthy and safe. Also just how you can control what you think about your self you CANNOT control others thoughts so don't dwell on that at all!