Today, the words “I love you” are thrown around so loosely that their meaning is often lost in translation. Luckily, there are other ways people can say I love you without actually using those three little words. There are so many ways to show someone you care without dropping the “L-word”. Here are just nine of the many alternate ways of telling someone how much you care.

I found this and it made me think of you.

This will automatically let the person know you were thinking about them, even if it’s just a funny picture you found online or a song that randomly came on while you were listening to music. Telling someone that something reminded you of them will make anyone’s day and show them that you care.

Call/ Text me when you make it home safely.

I’m that friend that always want to make sure people get home safely. Whether that means waiting in my car in front of their house until they get inside or making them let me know when they get home after hanging out, I like making sure my friends are safe. By making sure they are safe, you are also showing that you care about their safety and well-being.

Did you eat yet?

Granted, this could just mean that you are just looking for someone to eat with, but it also can show that you care about someone’s health. Personally, when I’m stressed, I sometimes forget to eat, and it’s nice to have someone remind me, especially someone who I know truly cares about my health.

I miss you.

Telling someone you miss them is the easiest way to show them you care. Missing someone is wanting their presence when you don’t have it currently. You just want them to be around. Not seeing the person you care about can often be upsetting, and by telling said person that you miss them, you can show how much you really care about them.

You deserve to be happy.

Perhaps one of the most important way to say “I love you” without really saying it is by telling the person that they deserve to be happy. Sometimes people forget that they are allowed to put their own happiness first. I know I do sometimes. People get so focused on pleasing others and making them happy that they often neglect their own happiness in the process. A simple reminder that it’s ok to be happy might just change someone’s life and show someone you love them.

I hate you/ You’re annoying.

Ok this one is only applicable if you already have a strong bond. Sometimes, I just look at my best friends, smile from ear to ear, and tell them how annoying they are and how much I hate them. They may be annoying as all hell, but they are my annoying friends, and i wouldn’t trade them for anything in the entire world.

You should get some sleep.

Sometimes, life gets hectic and we forget to sleep in order to get everything finished, whether it is school work, housework, or paperwork. By reminding someone to get some rest when you notice them getting tired, you show them that you care about their mental and physical health. You also show that you are paying attention to what is going on in their life.

Do you need a hug?

First of all, I am a firm believer that the answer to this question is always yes. But really, noticing that someone is upset or stressed or hurting and asking if they need a hug can make all of the difference in the world. One hug can change someone’s day. Suddenly, they don’t feel so alone anymore. They feel like someone understands. And they know they have someone in their corner who will be there for them when they are really needed.

I believe in you.

Telling someone that you believe in them is by far the best way to tell someone you love them and you care. In today’s world, it is common for people to lose hope and stop believing in themselves with the chaos of everyday. By telling someone you believe in them, you are telling them that they are worthy of your attention and love. You are telling them that they matter to you, even if they don’t feel like they matter to anyone in that moment. Telling someone you believe in them is a confidence boost. If someone believes in you, then maybe you can believe in yourself. Believing in someone can remedy their anxiety and lower their stress levels.

Showing someone that you really care about them is such an easy and meaningful thing to do. All it takes is checking in on them, asking about their well-being, and making a genuine effort. Today, especially, we need to show people that we care; that we love. Love trumps everything bad in the world. All we need is a little bit of love, and I think we are all going to be okay.