There are more ways to say, "I love you" to someone besides actually saying, "I love you". You say "I love you" when you say, "Don't forget your umbrella." or "Text me when you get home." or "Let me know if you need anything." It's not just those three little words, but you can say that you love someone in so many ways. You can also say it through what you do, or don't do.
In 1995, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a book called The Five Love Languages. In this book, he mentions how there are, initially, five different ways you can show someone that you love them, and five ways you want to be loved. Some people favor some "love languages" over others. Here are the five love languages:
Words of Affirmation
"I love you" are the most wonderful words to hear from someone you love, but there are other words you can say to the person you care about. Compliments, letters, post-it notes, text messages, phone calls, face time, skype, etc. and letting the person you love know that you care and support through words is always a great way to encourage them and remind them you love them.
Acts of Service
Doing chores or a type of service for the one you love can really take some stress off of that person's shoulders and help make their day easier. Even something as little as offering to make them a snack or grab them a glass of water can be a way to serve them. Asking if there's anything you can do for them can really show them you care about them and would do anything for them to show them you love them.
Receiving Gifts
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Gifts as a love language doesn't mean you have to buy elaborate gifts every holiday or all the time, but if you're on vacation and get a souvenir that you think the person you care about will like, that's a great way to start. If you're out shopping and see something that reminds you of them, that person would love knowing you thought about them during your day.
Quality Time
Spending time with someone you care about is a great way to show them you care about them. Even the tiny details like not looking at your phone, eye contact, initiating things to do while spending time together can make spending time together even better. Dates and alone time together are also great ways to have quality time together. It's not just about the quantity, but the quality.
Physical Touch
This is one of the more noticed ones. Hugs, kisses, back massage, anything that involves you touching or being touched by someone you care about is a way that some people want to be loved or how others want to be loved.
If you're still not sure what your love language is and would like to know, follow this link to Dr. Gary Chapman's website, where you can take an online test to see what your love language is. http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/ And this isn't just for how to love others or how you want to be loved, but how you like to show love as well. Enjoy!
