How soon is too soon?

I am 23 and in my first relationship since my divorce in 2017. My boyfriend and I met back in high school and I was older than him so we spoke but not too much.

The guy that I am dating has been completely amazing. My divorce ended due to abuse and my current boyfriend makes me feel safe and secure. He assures me that no harm will ever come my way again. He is in school to be a realtor and I am in school to be a guidance counselor. We’ve been together for 5 months and he recently just said he loved me.

I was boasting to my best friend about him and I told her that he said he loved me and she believes that it’s too soon and he has ulterior motives and advised me I should break up with him. I feel like our relationship is going great and at a steady pace. We even began hanging out three months before dating. My friend is creating second thoughts for me though.

My question to you ladies is how soon is too soon to say “I love you” to your significant other?