“I love you.”
Let’s be honest with ourselves; no expression could mean more than those three words. Although movies, books, TV shows, and music may have hyped up and greatly exaggerated the phrase, it still holds a certain kind of importance to us today. Love can be entirely platonic and friendly, or it can be passionate and maddening. Either way, the media exerts a kind of pressure on people to be confrontational and straightforward. But oftentimes, our insecurities and emotions run so high that they prevent us from saying “I love you” to that person who means the world to us. To those who can’t say those words, it’s okay; there are different ways to say how you feel without saying that exact phrase. Actions speak louder than words.
Whether you mean to tell a family member, best friend, or lover, these actions illustrate that expression in a way words never can.
Do a good deed for them
Taking the time out of your day to do a good deed for your loved one speaks volumes. We all have those things we hate to do, like finishing pesky chores or getting the spider out of the room. Nothing says ILY more than doing an especially meaningful deed.
Surprise them with their favorite food
Even better: try making it yourself! Food is the way to the heart, no matter who it’s for. Whether the recipe turns out the way you expected it to be or not is irrelevant; it’s the effort that you put into your dish that your loved one will adore.
Listen to them
Seriously. It’s harder than it sounds; a good listener makes eye contact and nods when appropriate. Maybe absent nodding and doing work while talking to one another is part of a routine, but setting aside time to truly listen to what they have to say is a sign that you really care about your loved one.
Sit down with them and enjoy something they like
When their favorite song comes on the radio, don’t turn it down. Instead, turn it up because you know they love it. Sit through a sappy romance movie just because you know they like to cry at the cheesiest parts. Even when you may not enjoy the things they like, it shows how much you care about them when you’re willing to put aside your personal beliefs for them.
Hug them
The simplest action of the five listed, but could be the most difficult to do. Hugs are the universal sign of affection and love. Wrapping your arms around your loved one is a comforting action to both parties and will immediately let them know how you feel.
Love is unconditional. When you want to tell someone you love him or her, through either action or words, you do it without expecting anything in return. Loving someone takes time, and telling someone should be on your own terms and no one else’s.
Photo credit:
http://biz-tec.mx/2013/02/kit-de-apps-para-cualquier-dia-del-amor-y-la-amistad/surprised/
http://tanamatales.com/this-month-i-want-to-do-something-for-you/helping-hand1/
http://www.geburtstagsfotograf.ch
http://www.feminiya.com/10-new-year-resolution-to-make-your-relationship-lasting/
http://www.rentcafe.com/blog/roommates/avoid-turning-your-bff-into-a-frienemy/
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2010/aug/08/iraqis-bid-farewell-to-usi/