AIO - Partner asked why I think I love them
I (36f) took the question, “Why do you think you love me?” as, “how do you know you love me?” and I replied “*because it is unconditional and because I make sacrifices for you”*.
My partner (38m) replied “I do too” in a defensive tone and I took it to mean his POV was, *“I make sacrifices and I don’t love YOU, so why do you love ME*?”
This took place right after doing the deed on the same night he had finally said “I love you” to me outside of sex. (Although fwiw he was half asleep at breakfast when he said it).
I’m now thinking I took the question and his response the wrong way.
I’m afraid he was seeking validation as to WHY I love him.
I’m afraid I messed up a special or vulnerable moment by misunderstanding his question making love seem like a competition when all I wanted to do was give a mature answer. What do you guys think?