14 Ways You Can Say I Love You Today (Without Actually Saying It)

It’s Valentine’s Day! And sure, for some of you reading this, it’s just a regular old Monday. But, plenty of people love the holiday of love. So, in honor of those readers, I wanted to share 14 creative ways you can say I love you – without actually using that phrase.

Because, truth be told, sometimes words just aren’t enough. Sometimes they don’t do it justice. And, depending on your partners’ love language, they may not mean a whole lot.

So, keep reading and find all the (new) ways you can express your love today.

The Five Love Languages

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with saying “I love you” in words – but depending on your partner’s love language, there may be a better way to demonstrate your affection.

According to Dr. Gary Chapman and his best-selling book, there are five distinct love languages – or, ways that people receive and express love.

1. Quality Time

By far the most popular one is Quality Time, which is just fancy verbiage for spending time with your partner. This could be anything from going out and doing something you both enjoy to just being together. The point is that you’re fully present and engaged.

2. Physical Touch

Sex is important to a lot of people, but for those with a love language of Physical Touch, other forms of physical affection are equally important. Think holding hands, kissing, or even just sitting next to you.

3. Acts of Service

When I was younger, I didn’t understand this one. Now that I’m an adult, I totally get it. Acts of Service refers to when your partner does something for you – like stopping to pick up milk on the way home. Little things that make your day-to-day life easier can go a long way to making you feel loved.

4. Words of Affirmation

Hearing the words “I love you” is important for people whose language is Words of Affirmation. It’s all about communication – from sending text messages throughout the day to let them know you’re thinking of them to giving compliments.

5. Receiving Gifts

As straightforward as Receiving Gifts sounds, it’s not necessarily about material things. Rather, it’s about what the things represent – which is that the person has taken the time to think about what you want and gotten it for you.

Related Read: Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Every Stage of a Relationship

So, go ahead, tell your partner how much you adore them today. Shower them with I love you’s – but, consider if there are other ways you can express your affection, too.

14 Ways You Can Say I Love You

1. Cook Dinner

I loathe cooking, so for me, this is one of the best ways you can show how much you care. You can cook them something special – like a favorite dish or a 5-course meal – or just make a simple dinner. Either way, it’s a perfect loving gesture.

2. Pick up Their Favorite Bottle of Wine (or Box of Candy)

Not all gifts have to be extravagant. In fact, some of the best gifts are of the spur-of-the-moment, I just saw this and thought of you, variety. So pick up something small, like a bottle their favorite wine, their favorite candy, or their favorite bag of chips. It’s the thought that counts.

3. Put Your Phone Away for the Night

Try this tonight one tonight. Eat dinner together, watch TV together, sit and read together. And while you do, make sure your phone is out of the way. Like, in the other room away. Just be present with your partner.

4. Snuggle up Together

Here’s another one you can do whilst you lounge in front of the television set. Because everyone loves a good cuddle-sesh.

5. Let Them Pick the Movie/TV Show

Yes, even if what they want to watch is The Bachelor (don’t hate!) Letting your partner choose what you do or watch is a great way to show that you care about their interests.

6. Say “I appreciate You”

You don’t have to say the l-word to let your partner know you love them. Tell them you appreciate them. Say thank you when they do something nice for you. Make sure they feel seen and heard and, above all, valued.

7. Give Them a Massage

And not the kind where you’re hoping it leads to a happy ending! There’s nothing wrong with having sex, but in the spirit of showing your genuine affection, give your partner a massage without expecting anything in return.

8. Bring Them Flowers

Just like picking up a bottle of wine or small treat, bringing your lover flowers is a great way to make them smile. (Bonus points if you do it on a day other than Valentine’s Day.)

Related Read: 20 Valentine’s Day Plans Regardless of Your Relationship Status

9. Do the Laundry/Dishes/Cleaning

Clean up after dinner – even if you did the cooking. Do the laundry. Mow the lawn. Vacuum the house. Honestly, any act of service will go a long way.

10. Compliment Something About Them

Saying “You’re beautiful” is a good start, but try giving your partner a compliment about something deeper than that. Compliment their patience, their intelligence, their hard work. Tell them what you love about them.

11. Ask How Their Day Was – And Listen

And again – make sure your phone is out of the way while you do. Further, don’t try to offer advice or input – just listen to their experience.

12. Offer to Run an Errand

Maybe it’s getting the groceries or taking their car in for an oil change. There are plenty of mundane tasks you can offer to take off their hands.

13. Stroke Their Hair

There’s something incredibly comforting about someone stroking your hair or softly rubbing your back. Let your partner lay their head on your lap and tell you about their day while you do this one – it’ll make them feel absolutely cherished.

14. Say, “I’m Proud of You”

Of all the words of affirmation you can tell someone saying “I’m proud of you” has to be one of the best.

Conclusion

No matter what you decide to do to celebrate St. Valentine, make sure your partner knows how much you care about them every day.

How do you show your love? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Valentines Day!

xx
Katie

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