77 Different Ways to Say "I Love You" without Actually Saying "I Love You"

I love you is mostly action.

There are many ways to say, "I love you" without actually saying it. You can say, "I love you" in both actions and words.

This is my list of 77 ways of saying, "I love you."

Feel free to take and use as many of these ideas as you'd like. Though these bullet points are my own, I will break them down in the five broad categories outlined in Dr. Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages. This book is a good read that opened my eyes to a variety of ways people receive love.

You will find that your loved one will most likely respond more strongly to one or two of these broad categories.

1) Words of affirmation -

Say or write notes with words that build confidence and self-esteem.

Here are several things you can say to show love by building the confidence of your special someone:

• I appreciate you so much because ....
• You are such a wonderful person because ... 
• You and me forever babe!
• I look forward to growing old with you
• I like you
• I'm so proud of you
• I'm proud of you because ...
• You are the best
• You are beautiful
• Wow! You look stunning!
• I love how you set up the table
• You have some class with the way you style your hair
• You have great taste in shoes!
• You are gorgeous!
• Thank you for dressing up for me
• (While in a warm embrace) I like this
• My heart feels like it's on cloud nine
• From the top and bottom of my heart, babe!
• I have hearts and stars for you, darling
• You deserve a gold star

Also note that saying affirming words in creative ways, like on a whiteboard in their office or within a note inside a packed lunch, can amplify the message.

2) Quality time -

Do something together that THEY like.

Find out the activities that your companion likes doing and plan a date doing some of those things. Create some coupons for their favorite actives for you two to do - redeemable anytime.

Here is a list of some ways to say, "I love you" through spending quality time together:

• Watch the sunset
• Watch the sunrise
• Read a book
• Walk around a lake
• Have a picnic
• Go on a camping trip
• Leave town together on a road trip
• Go to the beach
• Go to a fancy dinner
• Go to bookstore and read children's books
• Play a video game
• Play a card game
• Play a board game
• Join a meetup group
• Go to a museum
• Stroll downtown within a nearby city or town
• Tour a factory
• Watch a movie
• Go out dancing

Most importantly, remember that you show love through quality time by doing things that they like. So if they don't like something on this list, then don't force it. The last thing you want to do is come off as pushy, which can seem unloving.

3) Give gifts -

Not all gifts have to cost lots of money. Gift-giving let's your loved one know that you have been thinking of them.

When you are out running errands and you notice something that your loved one may appreciate, get it. Remember this very important point: the best gifts are things that they want, but would never buy or make for themselves.

Here is a list of some things that they may like but would never buy nor make:

Buy

• Chocolates
• Flowers
• A favorite band's CD album
• A favorite magazine
• Jewelry (in their style)
• A card or board game that they like
• A box of tea

Make

• A romantic haiku about a date or moment you two shared
• A love letter addressed to them (even if you live together)
• An origami craft
• A hand drawn picture
• A framed picture of you two
• A photo album of dates

Also never forget birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. Each of these days should be accompanied with a gift no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

4) Acts of service -

Joyfully (from the bottom of your heart) do things for your special guy or girl.

The key here is do acts of service joyfully and do acts of service that they would appreciate. Doing their chores is a great place to start.

Saying, "I love you" with acts of service can be as simple as doing one of the following:

• Open the car door for her
• Open other doors for her
• Do the dishes
• Take out the garbage
• Mow the lawn
• Dust the house
• Water the plants
• Clean the bathtub
• Prepare a bath
• Make the bed
• Put on his or her favorite music
• Prepare a meal

Sounds like a lot of work, and it is. But to someone not expecting it done, it can pump lots of love into their heart from your acts of service.

5) Physical touch -

Being touched in a loving way is a basic human need.

Some people respond better than others to physical touch. And for the most part, it's the single thing that defines lovers from good friends.

Here are several ways to express love through physical touch:

• Hold hands
• Kiss on the cheek
• Kiss on the hand
• Kiss on the arm
• Snuggle your noses together
• Sit back-to-back while you read a book in the park
• Give a foot massage
• Give a back rub
• Gently rest your hand on their back while standing in line for ice cream
• Rest hand on knee when driving
• Greet with a hug and kiss
• Depart with a hug and kiss
• Spontaneously dance around the house 

With touch, try to be sensitive to how your loved one is receiving it. Being gentle, sweet, and then playful is a good place to start.

There are many more ways to say "I love you." Can you think of any not mentioned here?

Samuel Hatton is passionate about entrepreneurial activities. He builds,  implements and runs marketing programs at Endsight, SF Bay Area's choice locally outsource IT support provider. He also creates ventures like Life is a Play, a program dedicated to professional development motivation. You can find him on Google+ and Twitter. Samuel is always up for good discussions and activities regarding careers, marketing, entrepreneurship, performance, and dancing.