On this page
It’s not always easy to show someone you love them. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our own lives and thoughts that we forget on how to show affection to your loved ones.
If you want to make your partner smile from ear to ear, but need some inspiration, try out some of these 13 ways to show someone you love them.
1. Spend quality time together
One of the most important things is simply spending time with the special person you love. This can be quality time spent together doing activities you both enjoy or simply just sitting and talking with each other. It’s important to make time for one another, especially in today’s busy world.
If you’re in need of some quality time ideas, try out some of these:
- Cook dinner together
- Go on a romantic date
- Have a picnic in the park
- Go for a walk together
- Play tourist and explore your own city/town
- Stay in bed all day and watch movies together
- Play video games together
- Go on a hike
- Go star gazing
2. Listen to them
One way to show someone you love them is by listening to what they have to say. This can be Active Listening, which means really paying attention and trying to understand what the other person is saying, or simply just letting them vent about their day without judgment.
This also includes being there for them when they need to talk, whether it’s about something happy or something that’s bothering them. Just being a good listener and being there for someone can mean a lot.
3. Be present
When you’re with the person you love, it’s important to be present and actually spend time with them. Don’t scroll through your phone or be distracted by other things going on around you. Give them your full attention and enjoy the time you’re spending together.
It’s rude to be on your phone all the time when you’re with someone, and it makes the other person feel like they’re not important to you. If you can’t put your phone away, at least try to limit your screen time and focus on the conversation or activity, you’re doing together.
4. Tell them how much you love and appreciate them
One way to show someone you love them is to actually tell them how much you care. This can be done in person, over the phone, or even through a text message or email. Sometimes people need to hear the words “I love you” to feel loved.
You can also tell them how much you appreciate them and why they’re important to you. Letting someone know how much they mean to you can make their day and make them feel loved and appreciated.
5. Make them compliments
Everyone loves compliments, so make sure to give the person you love plenty of them! Compliment their appearance, their personality, their accomplishments, or anything else you can think of.
Giving compliments boosts the other person’s confidence and lets them know that you’re paying attention to them and what they do. It’s a small way to show someone you love them that can make a big impact.
6. Show your affection
Displays of affection ideally should happen on a daily basis. Whether it is a simple hug or a passionate kiss, find ways to physically show your partner that you care. Even just smiling at them can be a way to stay connected.
So, every time you see your partner, make an effort to give them a warm smile. A genuine smile will let them know that you’re happy to see them.
7. Give them gifts
Thoughtful gifts are always appreciated, no matter how big or small. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, just something that you know they would appreciate and that shows how much you care.
You can give them a gift for a holiday or special occasion, or just because. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that are given out of the blue without any special occasion. For example, you could buy them a new book that you know they’ve been wanting to read or their favorite flowers just because.
8. Do things for them
Doing things for the person you love is a great way to show them how much you care. This can be anything from making them breakfast to doing the grocery shopping for them. It’s the thought that counts, so even small gestures can be appreciated.
If you’re not sure what to do, ask them! They’ll be happy to give you some ideas of things that would be helpful for you to do. Just make sure not to overdo it, or you might start to feel like a servant!
9. Be supportive
No matter what your loved one is going through, try to be understanding and supportive. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything they do or say, but it does mean being there for them when they need you. Sometimes, just being a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear is all that’s needed.
Also, don’t forget to be there for them during the good times too! Celebrate their successes and happy moments with them. We tend to forget that being supportive also means being positive and encouraging.
10. Leave them a hand-written note or card
A hand-written note or card is a sweet and simple way to show someone you love them. You can write anything you want, from a few words to a long letter. Just let them know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them in your life.
You could leave the note or card somewhere they’ll find it, like in their lunch box or on their pillow. Or, you could give it to them in person and tell them how much you love them. Either way, they’re sure to appreciate the gesture.
11. Pay them a surprise visit
If you live far away from the person you love, then a surprise visit is a great way to show them how much you care. Even if you live close by, taking the time to drop in unexpectedly shows that you’re thinking of them.
Just make sure that your surprise visit is actually a pleasant surprise! If they’re busy or don’t have time to talk, it might not be the best idea. But if you know they’ll be happy to see you, then go for it!
12. Go on a weekend getaway
What better way to show someone you love them than by taking them on a romantic weekend getaway? It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just somewhere you can relax and spend some quality time together.
If you’re short on time or money, there are plenty of other ways to show your love. But if you can manage it, a weekend getaway is a wonderful way to show how much you care. Some great ideas for weekend getaways include a cabin in the woods, a beach resort, or a city you’ve always wanted to visit.
13. Take them on a date
The good old-fashioned date (night) is always a great way to show someone you love them. Take the time to plan something special that you know they will enjoy.
Does your partner love movies? Plan a night out at the cinema followed by dinner and drinks. Or, if they’re more of a nature lover, how about a picnic in the park? Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that will make them feel loved and special.
There are plenty of other ways to show someone you love them, but these are just a few of the most important ones. So, if you’re looking for ways to show your special someone how much you care, try some of these ideas and see how they go. If you want to know more about love, head over to our love languages guide.
- Boundaries in Dating: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Relationships
- Love in Every Season: Understanding the Four Stages of Every Healthy Relationship
- Love More, Fight Less: Communication Skills Every Couple Needs: A Relationship Workbook for Couples
- Infidelity Recovery Workbook for Couples: Tools and Exercises to Rebuild Your Relationship
- Healthy Me, Healthy Us: Your Relationships Are Only as Strong as You Are
Janet Smith
Janet Smith is a freelance writer who writes about psychology, relationships, and dating. She has always been interested in understanding the human brain and how it affects our …
Read full bio
