10 Ways to Tell Someone You Love Them Without Saying It
Telling your S.O. you love them isn't always easy for everyone.
While you may feel as though they're the one and you don't see yourself with anyone else except them, exclaiming the phrase, "I love you," isn't as easy as it sounds.
It's a huge step in any relationship, so we understand how terrifying the thought of letting those three words and eight letters roll right off your tongue. So if you want to let your S.O. you love them without actually saying it, below are 10 things you can do that'll show how much you care.
1. Listen
Listening to someone is one of the easiest ways to let them know you love them. Let's be clear here, we mean active listening. That doesn't mean you simply nod your head when they're telling you about their day. Engage with what they have to tell you so your S.O. knows they have your full attention. Even if they tell you the same old story they've shared on more than one occasion, act as if you've never heard it before. Doing so will really show them how much you care.
2. Give Them Something That Made You Think of Them
Whether it's a small keychain with their name on it or their favorite flower, gifting someone something that reminds you of them (no matter how big or small) is one of the sweetest gestures. It shows them how much you've been paying attention to every little thing they do and how you'd care enough to spend money on them. After all, it's not like you'd give a random gift to just anyone. It takes a special person for that to happen. Your S.O. will truly appreciate the gesture and cherish the present forever. Plus, it'll also make them think of you.
(Liv and Maddie via Disney Channel)
3. Do Something They Enjoy
If your S.O. loves hockey, take them to a game. If they like tanning at the beach, tagalong with them. If they enjoy shopping, browse with them at their favorite store. Doing something with your S.O. that they like, even if you're not the biggest fan of it, is just further proof that you care deeply about them.
Maybe you're not the biggest fan of sporting events or DIY projects? But if you're willing to spend a few hours of your day enduring something you don't particularly enjoy for the one you love, that's commitment right there. Chances are your S.O. already knows you're not too keen on doing these things, so they'll definitely appreciate your willingness to spend time with them doing it more than you know.
4. Spend Time With Their Friends or Family
Similar to doing something they enjoy that you might not, spending time with their friends and family (some of whom you may not be fond of) really does showcase how much you care. You love them enough to not only make time for them, but the ones that mean the most to them, too. If that isn't the closest thing to telling someone you love them without actually saying it, we don't know what is.
(Riverdale via The CW)
5. Wait to Watch the New Episode of Your Favorite Show Together
Sharing a show with someone is one of the most intimate things you can do. You're basically giving them a part of yourself and hoping they appreciate it as much as you do. So when you and your S.O. find that one show that brings you both equal amounts of joy, you're bonded for life. If you really want to take it to the next level, be sure to never ever, ever watch a new episode without them. There's nothing more deceitful than getting ahead on a series you both hold so deeply in your hearts.
6. Be Present When You're Together
Simply spending time with your S.O. is vastly different than being present the entire time the two of you are together. You can be with someone, but spend most of your time on your phone or doing something that takes the attention away from them. Don't get caught up in scrolling through Instagram when they're telling you about your day. Don't put in your headphones to drown out the sound of a TV show they want to watch. Being in the moment with the one you love is a truly gratifying experience that should never be taken for granted. So don't do it. Be present.
(Teen Wolf via MTV)
7. Text Them When You're Thinking of Them
If you're thinking of them, let them know. Shoot them a sweet lil' text saying they're on your mind. It's such a simple gesture, but it really goes a long way. You'll make their day and leave them feeling that much more excited to see you. There's really nothing more wholesome and pure than that.
8. Share Everything With Them
By sharing things we them, we're not talking about physical things. You don't need to give them your clothes, school supplies, food, etc. What we mean by this is telling them about your hopes, dreams, fears, desires and so on. Allowing yourself to open up and let them into your life will make them aware of how much you trust them. They'll know you truly love them, too, because you sure as heck wouldn't share these sorts of intimate details about yourself with a stranger on the street.
(Midnight Sun via Global Road Entertainment)
9. Always Make Time for Them
Newsflash: No one is ever too busy to not spend time with someone they love. Even the busiest people in the world make time for those who are important to them. Your schedule may be packed and we know your S.O. would understand if you couldn't see them, but there have to be at least five minutes out of the week you can spare to hang with them. No matter how short your time together may be, it's always worth it.
10. Use Your Words
So, you don't want to use the "L" word. Lucky for you, there are a plethora of synonyms for "love" that you can use instead. You don't need to say, 'I love you.' You can tell your S.O. how much you appreciate them or how you're so lucky to have someone like them by your side. Whatever you feel comfortable saying, say it. Your partner will understand and still feel the love, even if that word isn't exactly escaping your lips. One day, you'll get there. Until then, use the words you feel confident saying.
(Every Day via Orion Pictures)
Wondering if your relationship will go the distance? HERE are five signs it'll last long past high school.