How to say ‘I love you’ without actually saying it

You don’t always have to rely on the three ‘golden’ words for someone to know how much they mean to you.

By Team Cosmopolitan India

13 July, 2024

How to say ‘I love you’ without actually saying it

"I love you"—these three words surely hold a lot of power. But is that the only way to let someone know that you deeply love and care about them? Surely not. According to Gary Chapman, apart from words of affirmation, you can express your love through quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and even receiving gifts. While we all have our own love language, there are specific acts of love we do for our loved ones that often go unnoticed. Perhaps we don’t even talk about them that often. And that’s precisely why, in this article, we will be talking about the unspoken ways of expressing love without saying those three words.

Making playlists

If you ask your parents, they'll likely reminisce about the era of 'mix tapes'. Today, playlists are the modern equivalent that is still a heartfelt gesture. It communicates love and thoughtfulness, showing that you've taken the time to curate something special just for them. It's a subtle way of saying, "I love you," that often goes unnoticed. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be for your partner; you can do it for your friends too. For instance, if you know a friend is going through a hard time, you can make them a playlist comprising songs that they love or perhaps ones that you think will help them cope with their situation.

Cooking their favourite food

People who grew up in Indian households have a long-standing (and often unnoticed) way of expressing love through cooking. It’s probably something we inherited from our parents. Cooking your loved ones' favourite foods, be it your mother's beloved curry or your father's favourite pasta, is certainly an underrated way of expressing affection. It's one of the sweetest and most heartfelt gestures out there!

Putting a blanket on them while they are asleep

Picture this, you notice your sibling or partner fast asleep on the couch, curled up, but without a blanket. You quietly move through the rooms to fetch a blanket and cover them, without trying to wake them up. Acts like these establish genuine care beyond superficial gestures; they reveal the depth of your affection and concern for their well-being.

Getting them their favourite dessert

The truth is, telling a foodie that you love them isn't all that difficult; you simply get them their favourite dish or dessert, and voila! It's another way of expressing and assuring your love without explicitly saying it. For instance, if they've had a rough day, surprising them with a chocolate brownie or a tart can turn things around and show them how much you care.

Saving the last bite

Saving the last bite for someone can truly be seen as the ultimate sign of love. It's a subconscious act that places their happiness above your own. Though this selflessness may not always be advisable, at this moment, it showcases the purity of your affection for them. Indeed, it's one way of saying ‘I love you’ without actually saying it.

Sharing memes

Sharing memes is more than just sending someone a funny picture or video—it's about sharing laughter and joy with someone you care about. You may come across a post or reel online that instantly reminds you of them, prompting you to send it to them immediately. These gestures are small yet meaningful, showing how much they mean to you. It's another subtle yet genuine way of expressing love and appreciation.

Lead image credit: Netflix

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