10 Things to Say Instead of “I Love You”

If you watch Grey’s Anatomy religiously, like me, or you just really love Snow Patrol, then you know their song “Chasing Cars”. My favorite line of the song is “I don't quite know how to say how I feel, those three words are said too much, they're not enough”. When I hear this lyric, I contemplate to whom and why I have been saying “I Love You”. I tell my family I love them so much that it has become a force of habit, and I seem to only tell my friends that I love them when we are having a sentimental moment. Loving someone is a feeling and it should not be shown through a proclamation of the fact. Instead, here are 10 things to say to a loved one so they will feel loved.

1.You are important to me

You should tell people that they matter to you while you still have the opportunity.

2. I’m proud of you

Letting a loved one know that you are proud of them can validate all their hard work and remind why they are working so hard in the first place.

3. You are such a wonderful person

Telling someone this is guaranteed to put a smile on their face, and who doesn’t want to do that?

4. Do you need anything?

So this is a question but is thoughtful nonetheless. It’s always nice to check in on the person you care about.

5. Be careful

I always say this when someone I love is going on a trip or just driving home 5 miles away. It shows that you worry about them.

6. I’m here for you

They should already know but some people need a confirmation that you are there if they need anything from you.

7. I’m here if you need someone to listen

In some cases, the best thing to say is nothing.

8. How’s school/work/life?

Show an interest in what your person is dealing with and help bear some of the weight of their struggles.

9. You’re my family

This may be a little redundant if said to actual family, but it is a heartfelt sentiment when said to a friend or partner.

10. Thank you for being you

A genuine thank you can go a long way and it is a simple way to let someone know that they are appreciated.

It is easy to forget to take care of the people we love so say these 10 phrases to them as a reminder that they are cared for. Nothing should be said lightly, so always mean what you say; but these statements and questions will surely make the right person feel loved.