How to Say "I Love You" to Your Partner
"You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how." — Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell
You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.
— from “The White Company” by Arthur Conan Doyle
Start Here
First things first, figure out your partner’s love language.
Be honest about your feelings —with yourself and your partner.
Words of Affirmation
<Name>, I hope you know how much I love you.
You mean so much to me. I know I don’t say it much, but I’m so grateful for you.
I thank God/the Universe for bringing us together.
I’m so glad we are the same kind of weird.
I wouldn’t trade you for ten just like you.
I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it.
I wish I could open my heart and show you all the lovely feelings you give me.
Love is an Action, Not Just a Feeling
Love thrives on both grand gestures and the subtle, everyday acts of kindness that make life together more meaningful. Here's a list of loving actions that a spouse can do for their partner, reflecting a deep appreciation and care for each other:
Write a heartfelt letter or note expressing what you love about them and hide it somewhere they'll find it unexpectedly.
Plan a surprise date night, taking care of all the details and focusing on activities they particularly enjoy.
Cook their favorite meal or bake their favorite dessert as a sweet surprise.
Offer a massage after a long day to help them relax and feel pampered.
Create a playlist of songs that are meaningful to both of you or remind you of your partner.
Take over a chore they dislike doing, giving them time to relax or engage in something they enjoy.
Organize a spontaneous getaway to break the routine and spend quality time together.
Leave love notes in their bag, car, or anywhere they'll find them throughout their day.
Frame a photo of a special moment you shared and place it somewhere prominent.
Compliment them genuinely on their qualities, achievements, or things they're insecure about.
Listen intently to them, showing genuine interest in their thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences.
Support their hobbies and interests, even if it means participating in something you're not personally fond of.
Prepare a warm bath for them to unwind in after a taxing day, maybe with candles and soft music.
Encourage their dreams and goals, offering your help and support to achieve them.
Hold a movie marathon of their favorite films or series, complete with their favorite snacks.
Surprise them with breakfast in bed, especially when they don't have to rush to work.
Plan a surprise party for their birthday, gathering all their loved ones without them knowing.
Craft something for them, whether it's a piece of art, a DIY project, or a handwritten poem.
Give them a book by an author they love or about a topic they're passionate about.
Plan regular check-ins to talk about your relationship, ensuring both your needs are being met.
Start a new hobby together, something neither of you has tried before, to create new memories.
Volunteer together for a cause they are passionate about.
Take care of them when they're sick, making sure they have everything they need to feel better.
Remember and celebrate not just the big anniversaries but also the little milestones in your relationship.
Show gratitude daily, acknowledging what they do for you, no matter how small.
These gestures, tailored to your partner's preferences and needs, can deepen your connection and show your love meaningfully.
When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are to become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the desire to mate every second of the day. It is not lying awake at night imagining that he is kissing every part of your body. No … don’t blush. I am telling you some truths. For that is just being in love; which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over, when being in love has burned away. Doesn’t sound very exciting, does it? But it is!
— Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières
