Ways to show someone you love them

While people assume that showing someone you love them should come naturally, the truth is that we all experience giving and receiving love in different ways. Of course, it is important to hear "I love you," but loving words mean the most when clear actions follow them. At the beginning of a relationship, you are still learning so much about one another, so when it comes to showing your appreciation and affection for your significant other, it may be a process of trial and error until you pick up the signals of what they are responding to. It's understandable to feel nervous or apprehensive about doing or saying the wrong thing, so healthy and open communication is the best place to start if you want to say I love you, without saying I love you.

On the other hand, if you've been in a long-term relationship, it is common to slip into old habits or get too comfortable, inadvertently neglecting your partner's needs for receiving love. So, if you're not picking up the signals and want to know how to show someone you love them with actions, here are a few things you can do.

Engage in deep conversations

The first place to start is with your words. It only takes a conversation with your partner to understand what they want, what they lack from you, and where they envision your relationship going. Ask your partner how they are used to being loved and how they like to feel loved. You need to ensure you are giving them love in the way they want to receive it, not how you think they want to. If your relationship has been in a difficult place, communicating how to get back on track and making them feel heard will help you show someone you love them after hurting them. It is all about personal experiences and preferences, and when you try to cater to their needs, they will start feeling your love.

Understand their love language

The five love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. These are the five main ways each person gives and receives love, and everyone's love languages differ. Learning your partner's love language can impact your relationship in a big way, and the love languages can help you show someone you love them without saying it. When they communicate how they receive love, you can align your actions to ensure you are doing something they will respond to.

Quality time is one of the five love languages and for a good reason. Many people want to be the object of their lover's undivided attention and feel like a priority. Scheduling meaningful time together and removing all distractions can touch their hearts in a way that matters. It shows your intention to make them feel important, loved, and appreciated. If they want to hear words of affirmation from you, try to tell them what you love or appreciate about them. Complimenting the other person, sending sweet text messages, telling them what they do well, and encouraging them will make them feel loved.

A person whose primary love language is physical touch will desire intimacy through sex and through holding hands, cuddling, or embracing each other. It doesn't matter what you do or where you go; they want to be physically close. If your partner appreciates acts of service, they will appreciate the little things you do for them, whether running errands, doing housework or taking the initiative to do something without you asking. For those who like receiving gifts, they don't just appreciate the present itself, but also the thought that goes into it. Whether sentimental or expensive, they love the idea of receiving it from the person they love.

Anticipate their needs

Sometimes, showing someone how much you love them has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. Instead of trying to be romantic with them, think about what they need. When you do something unexpected that helps them in any way, it lets them know you prioritize their needs and think about them. If you know they are extremely busy and could do with an extra pair of hands, try to anticipate their needs and follow through with making it happen. Additionally, if you’re unsure how to show someone you love them after hurting them, try a gentle approach in order to rectify the situation and get back on track. Understanding their love language can assist in helping you recognize what they need to feel calm and open in diffusing the argument.

Take an interest in their interests

Everyone lives their own lives, and partners don't need to have the same likes and dislikes, but showing your significant other that you are interested in their hobbies and interests is a great way to show them you love them. For example, if they are particularly interested in pottery and art, asking them about it will show them that you genuinely care about them. If you can take this a step further and incorporate it into a gift, it's even better.

Maintain connection with them

Many couples fall into the same habit of waking up in the morning and then not communicating until the evening when they're home from work, except if they need something in the middle of the day. It means a lot to people when you check in with them, it shows that you love them over text. Seeing your name on their phone with a sweet message asking how their day is going or even asking if they want to meet for a quick lunch during your work break will make your partner feel secure and loved in the relationship. It's not just about being lovers; it's even better when you're dating your best friend.

Connect with the closest people to them

It's all very well having a loving relationship with your partner but having a good rapport with the people they value the most is essential. This could be their family or close friends, but including them in your life will show your other half that you want to be a solid part of their life, not just live in your own bubble. Forging individual connections with their parents or friends will show them that you love everything about them and that the people they love are people you want to love, too.

Become their number one supporter

Being your partner's greatest cheerleader is one of the secrets to a happy relationship. When they tell you something good that happened to them, instead of just saying well done, ask them to elaborate, find out how it came to be, and celebrate their wins like yours. Finding joy in other people's success is such an important way to show them you love them. They should always feel excited to tell you something, knowing that you will feel the same amount of joy, if not more than they do.

Overall, small gestures can be everything when showing love for someone. Making a conscious effort to be consistent will help keep your love alive. As people grow and evolve, so do couples, and it's important to learn how to change your way of giving and receiving love to make them feel seen, heard, and acknowledged. Whether the relationship is new or things have taken a turn with your significant other, if you want to put in the effort and show your partner you love them, gain inspiration from these tips and bring a sense of appreciation into your relationship.