Whether you’re not quite ready to drop the “L” word or you’re just looking for some new ways to pass on the sentiment, sometimes you need to fire up some nonverbal ways to show that you care. Maybe you’re not good at verbalizing your feelings, or maybe you guys say “I love you” often but want to get creative about it. Whatever your situation, here are a few ways to show what you’re really feeling.
- Give him little kisses. You probably kiss frequently, but do you do it with meaning? A pointed kiss on the cheek while you’re out in public sends the message that you just couldn’t resist. This is even more meaningful when it’s not a prelude to heading to the bedroom.
- Make an effort with his friends. This is one of the best ways to show him you love him. Maybe you wouldn’t have chosen all of his friends if you did the bro picking, but he did, so making an effort to get along with and support them will show him that you’re comfortable in his world.
- Practice active listening when he’s talking. Really listening and being present in the moment isn’t just hearing someone in the moment, but filing away their thoughts and integrating them into other conversations. Remembering things that he says lets him know how important he is.
- Stay close. Physical proximity to someone that you care about feels great, and the complete opposite of the total terror it causes when it’s a stranger on the street. Don’t underestimate the power of leaning in, touching, and hugging your man.
- Give him a subtle hand squeeze. Even the least PDA couples on the planet can work with the subtle hand squeeze. Grab his hand under the table to let him know you’re thinking about him without riling your friends up into telling you guys to get a room. The brain actually processes touch signals faster than verbal ones, anyway.
- Send him cute texts. Does it count as nonverbal if you use only emojis? Sending a heart emoji for no reason sends a pretty clear message, and while it doesn’t necessarily scream love, being comfortable in casual situations is just as cute as being overtly romantic.
- Give your undivided attention. You might be the queen of multitasking, but slowing down for a minute and making eye contact while he tells his stories shows where your priorities are.
- Surprise him. Even if it’s just making his coffee exactly how he likes it while he’s still in the shower, little thoughtful surprises show him that he fits well into your plans. In fact, smaller, more frequent gifts or surprises show commitment more than flashy holiday-oriented ones.
- Dress up for him. Even if you’re doing date night on the couch, throwing on something sexy you know he loves lets him know you want to make him happy. What’s hotter than that? Men respond to visual cues, so don’t be shy about it. It seems silly to say this is a great way to show him you love him, but the proof is in the pudding.
- Include him in your domestic chores. In casual relationships, the dating encounters can be a lot briefer, but when you’re feeling or considering those loving feelings being domestic and doing household stuff together can set that tone. Who knew grocery shopping could be so romantic?
- Write him a thank you note. Nothing like a little gratitude to melt everyone’s heart a little. Thank him in a random note for the big stuff and the little stuff, to let him know what kind of an impact his actions really have on you.
- Make time for him, no matter how busy you are. Relationships can require compromise every step of the way, but instead of seeing that as a burden or letting it turn into a power play, see it as an opportunity to give something to your boo. It’s nice to make room for people.
- Keep his favorite things around. When you’re stocking up on wine for the week, pick up his drink of choice, as well. That way when he comes over, he’ll be good to go and surely moved by your effort. Making it personal shows emotional spending, even when the dollar amount is little to none.
