Timing is everything among the sexes as well. The study found that women preferred to hear it after the couple had had sex -- an affirmation beforehand seemed to indicate insincerity and untrustworthiness on the man's part. Men preferred hearing it before sex because it seemed more "honest." Certainly there are no hard-and-fast rules about when or if you should say it, but it goes without saying that a declaration of love seems downright weird a couple dates into the relationship. When the time is right, one of you will know and say those three words. In the meantime, show you care through your actions, not your words.