Sometimes saying the three magical words is simply not enough. Luckily we have other ways to say I love you to those who matter. Today we are talking about communicating your affection the right way and the five love languages that help sweethearts express their feelings better.

Why Do We Need Other Ways To Say I Love You

The three-words-eight-letters have almost entirely lost their meaning. We are willing to L-word the local coffee shop barista for making your morning flat white look extra pretty. Or a stranger in a restaurant's bathroom for lending you a tampon.

So, when it comes to actually significant people — we struggle.

Looking for other ways to say I love you is completely natural. In fact, it can actually mean that you have a deeper level of compassion and care for that special someone.

And although there is nothing wrong with the simple formula of I love you, it's best to at least decorate it a bit. This means that you will need to combine it with some other words or actions to express the real value of what you are saying.

Perhaps, you already have a couple of tricks up your sleeve. This is usually the case for couples that have been together for a while and learned many ways to express their feelings.

But if you are looking to put a start to something new or re-connect with an old flame: you've come to the right place.

Additionally, the other ways to say I love you can come in handy outside romantic relationships. Because love is what happens between relatives, friends, children, and parents.

Other Ways To Say I Love You To Those Who Matter

The way of saying I love you can partially depend on who you are saying it to. It goes without saying that the love we have for life partners is different from how we feel about grandparents or siblings.

It is different, but not like chalk and cheese. Because at the end of the day, the warm feeling in your chest is expressed to anyone who cares about you and who is kind towards you.

The thing is, parents, for example, know we love them. For the most part. But this doesn't mean that they wouldn't like to be reminded from time to time.

Same goes for old friends, relatives, coworkers, or even service providers (yes, I mean you, the lady who makes my nails look fierce).

If you love someone — show it.

The real trick is to find the right way to expose your feelings. It may depend on which of the five love languages the person responds to best. Time and place also matter.

So, as you can see there is quite a bit of planning that goes into what is a very simple act. But all that thinking through and consideration make it more special and meaningful.

We will soon leap into the five love languages and the examples of other ways to say I love you. But first, let's think of the right moments for showing how you feel.

When To Use Other Ways To Say I Love You

Let me ask you this: when do you need to feel loved the most? Usually, it's when things are not their best.

Stressful job, overwhelming personal drama, tiring relationships, and gloomy weather: all of these can make us feel down in the dumps. What can be better than feeling needed and loved?

Even if your loved one needs some alone time, quickly let them know that you are there for them at any moment. Seeing this bright ray of pure love in the dark will sure help them recover soon.

Sadness, however, is not always the reason to express your heartwarming feelings. Happy people also very much like to feel care and affection.

In general there are no rules to when you can use other ways to say I love you. Say it whenever you feel fit.

Just make sure you are doing it appropriately. Some ways to express your love might not fit the specific situation or someone's love language.

Feel the room and try your best to get to know your loved one. What do they like? How can you make them feel special?

At this point, we can easily move on to the five love languages and how we can use them to find other ways to say I love you.

What Are The Five Love Languages

The five love languages is a concept from a book by Gary Chapman. Originally, the book talks about finding the best way to communicate with your romantic partner.

But in my opinion, the majority of techniques are perfectly suitable for other types of love as well.

We already know that choosing from all the other ways to say I love you depends on who we are saying it to. Also, it is important to consider the time, the place, and the intention of speaking up about your feelings.

Now the question is how do we do it? How do we say I love you in the most thoughtful and caring way?

The idea behind love languages suggests that the answer is finding out how your loved one perceives affection. In simple words: what is love to them.

There are a total of five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

It is a good idea to start with finding your own language of love. By understanding ourselves better we can send out clearer signals to the people around us.

Then use your knowledge to evaluate the love language of someone you care about. Once you have a good idea of what they need — start using what you will learn here.

Keep in mind that while people generally tend to communicate in one of five love languages, others are also important. This means that sticking to just one agenda might not work and you will need to find your very own balance of mixing and matching the techniques.

Five Languages Of Love: All The Right Words

Yes, we are here to find other ways to say I love you. But one of those ways is simply finding more words to show how you feel.

Imagine the person you want to express your love to. What role do they play in your life? What makes them special?

Bring up as many points as possible and use them as often as you find necessary. Try saying things, like:

"You are truly extraordinary and inspirational. I am lucky to have you in my life".

"Every time I think about you, I can't help but smile".

"Each day with you is special, because you make everything around you shine".

Bring back some old memories and use them to show how much you care. Or take lyrics from their favorite love song and send them in a text.

There is no limit to all the things you can say, sing, scream, whisper, or write. As long as the words bring that magical twinkle into their eyes — you are doing it right.

Quality Time Matters

We often get enslaved by everyday routines and habits to the point where a date night is more of a chore than something you enjoy.

Let's change that.

Everyone has their own idea of quality time together. It doesn't have to be something entirely unusual, although it can be.

Just make sure that this is the time for you two and only you two.

If your partner's, child's or relative's love language is quality time — act on it.

Take them to a hands-on master class or set up a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood.

Revisit a place where you haven't been for a while. Or go somewhere completely new.

Once again, there are no specific guidelines for making your significant other happy, because no one knows them better than you do.

Go with your gut and make it memorable. Those are the moments you will keep coming back to as life goes on, so the more special they are the better.

The Art Of Gift Giving

The next one from the five love languages is slightly more materialistic. Many people look at affection as gift-giving and receiving.

If you enjoy making presents — good for you. And even if you don't, surely the love for that person will make it a bit easier.

The gifts do not have to be grand or expensive. Remember we are talking about other ways to say I love you, not trying to bury our partners in piles of things.

For people who communicate through gift-giving it is the thought that really counts. So, don't wreck your brain over doing something crazy or costly.

Gift-giving without any other occasion than saying I love you has got to be simple.

Bring them their favorite snack or a minimalistic flower arrangement. Maybe there is an event in town that they dream about going to? Or a class they want to take?

Tickets and gift certificates are both pleasing and thoughtful. Plus, if your love language is quality time, going to a concert or a show together will be an ultimate two-for-one deal.

Say I Love You Through Actions

Usually people who understand acts of service as a love language are complete opposites from the ones who need words of affirmation. Words just don't do it for them. Where is the proof?

It doesn't mean that they are right or wrong. The five love languages are almost the same as speaking different dialects. It is just the way we express ourselves.

Taking care of shared living space, helping with some errands, cooking their favorite meal can all be considered acts of service.

As you can see they are not exactly verbal, but they can still be considered ways to say I love you.

The logic is simple: by doing things for the ones we adore, we show that we care. Caring is the universal foundation of all types of love.

One thing you have to be careful with, however, is to not let care turn into slavery. Some toxic people, especially covert narcissists, might take this as an opportunity to abuse your sincere expression of attachment.

So make sure that whatever you do in the name of love is completely comfortable and voluntary. And always look out for the signs of mutual affection.

This, by the way, can be easily applied to any of the five love languages described here. Love is a two-way street, ensure you are not driving on it alone.

Touch Me Everywhere

Last but not least, we have the final of the five love languages: physical touch. And here the "who" part of the equation is the most important.

For anyone who is not your romantic partner, the touches will focus on platonic prolonged hugs, hand holdings, kisses on the cheek or forehead, and so on.

But if we are talking about romantic interests, there are virtually no limits.

The general idea is to touch where they like and how they like. For instance, for some couples butt grabbing is entirely acceptable, while for others it is considered disrespectful. You get the idea.

Good examples of touching to say I love you are cuddling, massaging, making out, and gently stroking their hair or skin.

With a touch, more than with any other of the five love languages, consent, and correct timing is very important. Make sure your loved one is ready to be touched before you go in.

Sometimes You Just Need To Go Simple

Don't overcomplicate love. It is something we feel, not something that can be fabricated or faked.

Take the five love languages into consideration and practice communicating your feelings at the frequency that your partner understands. Or get creative and come up with your own way to show affection.

When you cannot choose from the other ways to say I love you, just be you and do what you feel is right. Even those three excessively used words are going to sound special when they come from the heart.