‘I love you.’ Those three little words carry a lot of weight, but sometimes you just want to express your feelings differently. Maybe you haven’t quite reached that level in your relationship yet and are afraid of being the first one to say it. Maybe you have, but you feel like you’re over-using the phrase and want a more creative way to express yourself. Whatever your reason for mixing it up, I’ve got you covered! Below are several creative ways to say I love you, without actually saying I love you, grouped into categories to suit your specific situation. There’s something for everyone!
If you want to go above and beyond, send your partner or friend a postcard with your love alternative, find tons of personalizable designs here at MyPostcard. We print your design with your own photos and send in the post straight to your recipient’s door.
Subtle ways to say I love you (without saying it)
There are many subtle ways to let someone know that you care a lot about them. You can express how much they mean to you with the following sentiments.
- I don’t know what I’d do without you.
- You are awesome.
- You are my best friend.
- I saved you a seat.
- You’re one of a kind.
- You’re the coolest person I know.
Romantic alternatives to saying I love you
Finding romantic words to replace “I love you” doesn’t have to be difficult. Think of how they make you feel, and the effect that being around them has on you.
- You light up my life.
- Every time I think of you, my heart jumps and my tummy cartwheels.
- Your laugh is my favorite sound.
- No matter where I am or what I’m doing, when I see your name pop up on my phone, I just start grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
- I don’t know what I’d do without you. You make my life brighter just by being in it.
Showing concern as a way to express love
These types of phrases can be romantic, familial, or platonic. That means they fit most situations because to use any of them is to show concern for the other person’s wellbeing.
- What did you eat today?
- Have you been taking your vitamins?
- Did you sleep OK last night?
Showing interest in their life
Sometimes showing love can be as simple as demonstrating interest, letting them know that their thoughts/opinions are valued by you. This could look like any of the following questions and phrases.
- How was your day?
- Have you caught up with the latest episode of … (insert TV show here)?
- Did you hear about … (insert recent news story/sports result/popular song etc.)? What do you think about it?
Showing knowledge of the person’s likes and dislikes
A great way to show that you love someone is to let them know how well you know them and that you have listened to them in the past. This can be done by suggesting ideas of things you know they specifically would like to do, that you wouldn’t do yourself otherwise.
- Want to stay in with popcorn and watch Lord of the Rings this weekend?
- There’s a new Korean BBQ place opening in town next week, you want to go?
- This made me think of you (attach meme, picture/video etc.).
- Hey, I saw there’s going to be a vegan market open next month, shall we go?
Complimenting specific things about them
Compliments are a great way to show your love for someone. And the more specific they are, the better, because it shows that you really pay attention to them. Here are some examples of things you could talk about –
- You always dress so well! I love your style, it really suits you and your personality.
- That shirt really brings out the color in your eyes.
- Your hair looks awesome today, I really like what you did with it.
- Eyeliner is on point today!
- Your sense of humor is so dry and hilarious. You crack me up.
Love Language Examples
These examples are based on the idea of a person who really likes cream cheese bagels, but can be tailored to fit anyone and their favorite food stuff 😀
Words of affirmation: You are amazing – like a cream cheese bagel!
Quality time: Lets hang out and eat cream cheese bagels together.
Physical touch: Hold my right hand in your left hand, and this cream cheese bagel in your right.
Acts of service – I toasted you a bagel. Cream cheese, right?
Receiving gifts – I bought you this delicious cream cheese bagel.
P.S. If you’re interested in communicating in your partner’s love language, then read more about romantic gestures that speak in your partner’s love language here!
And that’s how you say I love you – without ever saying the words!
So there you have it, a list of many different ways to let you know you love someone, without being so forward as to say it out loud (or on paper!). Hopefully it helps, and you’re able to find a way to suitably express yourself!
