"I love you" is a phrase that is said thousands upon thousands of times each day. It is said within families, between significant others, and in friendships, and frequently it is said in ways that people don't recognize because that special three word, eight letter phrase can be said in thousands of different ways including both words and actions. Here are a few ways to tell or show someone what exactly they mean to you:
1. "Put Your Seatbelt On"
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While I have said this to almost every person who has ever been in my car, there are about four people I have ever texted this to or said it while on the phone with them. When you love someone their safety is as much of a priority to you as your own is.
2. "Text Me When You Get Home"
Kate Petty
This is very small gesture but very few things make me as happy as when someone says this. It shows you care and want to be sure they are safe.
3. "Call Me If You Need a Ride"
123greetings.com
I mostly use this when people I love are going out or to parties. I tell them to call me at any time and I will come get them from any place, because an hour drive at 3 in the morning is the most sincere show of love I can think of.
4. Changing Their Ringtone
whistleout.com
Now this may sound small but there are three people in the world that I have done this for. I change their ringtone to be the same as my alarm so that if they call me in the middle of the night I will wake up to answer it. Nothing says "I love you" quite like willingly waking up out of a deep sleep.
5. "You're My Person"
buzzfeed.com
No matter how cliche or overused this Grey's Anatomy quote might be, if you think about what it truly says, it's saying that no matter what happens you're the person they want with you for the good, the bad, and the ugly. That is what love is.
6. "I Saved The Last Piece For You"
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This might not be universal but let me tell you, if I am eating something (pizza, cheesecake, regular cake, etc) and I save you the last piece that is love.
7. Doing Something You Know They Hate to Do
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My parents have been married for 22 years and I still see them do this all of the time. My mom cuts the grass because my dad doesn't like to, my dad empties the dishwasher because it's my mom's least favorite thing to do and my mom doesn't like to cut the grass and my dad doesn't like to do the dishes but they do it so the other doesn't have to.
8. Small, Random Gifts
realsimple.com
If you're like me you're a broke college student so I'm not saying buy them an extravagant gift for no reason. But, flowers on a random Tuesday, a Spotify playlist of 'Songs That Make Me Think of You', cooking their favorite meal, or any other small gesture can go a long way to let the other know you're thinking of them.
9. "Take a Jacket"
redbubble.com
Or umbrella, or sunscreen, or anything else that looks out for their comfort. It shows that them being comfortable and happy is important to you.
10. "You're An Idiot"
How I Met Your Mother
Now this one could be hit or miss, you might actually be an idiot. But when a person gives you that smile with a little eye roll and tell you that you're an idiot, they probably love you.
11. "I Forgive You"
New Girl
In any relationship; romantic, platonic, familial, there will inevitably be a moment when one half of the relationship does something to upset the other. Forgiving and being willing to move past those mistakes is a way to show your love.
