My boyfriend accidentally said "I love you", did he mean it?

[Anonymous]

Okay so my boyfriend of four months and I were joking around and he said "I love youuu... Being with me!" He paused for a long time before he said "being with me" and looked kind of shocked. After he said it, he seemed really embarrassed and played it off saying that he had a lot going through his mind in that moment and he meant to say that he loved my company. I didn't want him to be be embarrassed so I smiled and said "you're funny!" Do you think it really was a mistake and slip of the tongue, or do you think he accidentally said it because he really feels that way? I know I love him, but I've been waiting to say it until he does or Until I know he for sure loves me too. Also, earlier this week in a conversation he said "well I know I have a girlfriend that loves me!" But I figured he just meant it as an expression. Any advice would be appreciated!

[harveykinkle]

It could go either way. He sort of took it back though so even if he does he doesn't seem ready to tell you.

My last guy did this a bunch of times and after awhile of being together he said he did mean it when he said it but wasn't ready for that yet since we were still new-ish.

[Anonymous]

Probably he meant it but was afraid that you weren't as into him as he is into you. And also whether you guys are going out long enough to be confident of your feelings to be together.

[Anonymous]

He probably meant it. If neither of you have said it yet then he was likely worried about being the first one to say it.