18 Ways to Show Someone You Love Them

The people we’re closest to usually know how we feel about them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need (or deserve) to be shown that every once in a while. Unfortunately, getting comfortable in a relationship of any kind can mean not always remembering to do this frequently.

Whether things are going good or you’re going through a tough time, finding ways to show your partner love helps to create a stronger emotional connection that can keep your relationship strong through good and bad times. 

However, it’s definitely something worth making a priority for both friends, family and your significant other.

So, whether you’re like me and not a naturally sensitive person and have to get creative in how you express yourself or even if you’re always full of ideas, here are a few ways you can show someone you love them. I hope they help!

6 Ways To Show Someone You Love

1. Spend Quality Time with Them

I think we get the idea of time and quality time confused. Sometimes my husband and I both have to remind ourselves that binging the latest season of our favorite show doesn’t exactly count as quality time together.

And the same goes for friends!

I think quality means you engage in meaningful conversation, share something new with one another or simply go somewhere without cell phones and TVs going off in the background. It’s really rare when you think about it (at least for me, eeek!).

2. Do Something You Know They Love Even if You’re Not a Fan

My husband and I have a lot of things in common, but he definitely has his set of hobbies and I have mine. And even though I think it’s important for our relationship that we have individual interests, every once in a while I volunteer to do something I know is more his thing.

I know it means a lot to him when I take an interest, so why not? Plus, I think it encourages him to do the same thing for me, which I always appreciate as well.

And of course, you can also do this with friends. If you usually meet for lunch but you friend has been begging you to come to a barre class with her, just do it! The gesture will mean so much.

3. Express your Feelings to Them Using Their Love Language

Have you heard of the book “The 5 Love Languages”? It’s been around for a while now, but can seriously be a game changer for your romantic relationship.

It explains the importance of knowing your own love language, that of your partner and how to discover what they are for each of you.

But what’s a love language?

It’s how you as an individual give and receive love. There are 5 love languages according to the book: words of affirmation, quality time, giving/receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

Once you and your partner know which of these the other values most, it can be a lot easier to understand how to show each other love. And speaking from experience, you don’t always know your partner’s love language (even if you think you might!).

4. Take a Walk Together

I love calling up a girlfriend (or my mom) I haven’t seen in a while and taking a nice long walk. The conversation flows organically and we get a little bit of exercise in, so it’s pretty much a win-win.

If you have a dog you can always bring them along too, which is an added bonus. Find a trail or path near your neighborhood and make it a standing weekly date if you can.

5. Small Moments of Affection

Even if you or your partner don’t give or receive love by physical touch, small moments of affection can make a big impact. Whether it’s a simple handhold on a walk or offering to give a massage—these little moments add up.

I mean, we’re all human and sometimes an unexpected display of affection (in public or at home, whatever is more your thing) goes a long way.

6. Simple but Thoughtful Gifts

When a friend or family member is celebrating something in their life, whether it’s a new baby, a wedding or anything else, I love sending small gifts via mail. It’s just a simple way of letting them know I’m thinking about them and I’m sending my love.

Even if you only send a card, I guarantee whoever is on the receiving end will feel so excited to be getting a personal note instead of the usual advertisements and bills. And hello, it’s so much more personal than a text!

7. Be a Good Listener

In any relationship, whether romantic, familial, or friendly, being an active listener can be a powerful way to show someone you love them. It involves giving the other person your full and undivided attention, truly seeking to understand their perspective, and responding with empathy. It’s about more than just hearing what they are saying; it’s about being fully engaged in the conversation and making the other person feel heard and valued.

To be an active listener, it’s important to put away distractions and give the speaker your complete attention. This means making eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and offering verbal affirmations. Focus on understanding their emotions and point of view, rather than formulating a response in your mind. Reflecting back what they are saying, asking clarifying questions, and acknowledging their feelings can also demonstrate that you are actively engaged in the conversation.

Active listening fosters trust, understanding, and a deeper connection in relationships. It shows that you are invested in the other person’s well-being and are willing to make an effort to truly comprehend their experiences and emotions. By practicing active listening, you communicate that you love and care for them deeply.

8. Stop Scrolling

One way to show your partner you love them is by prioritizing focused time together. This means intentionally setting aside regular time for activities that you both enjoy, whether it’s having dinner, going for a walk, or working on a project together. In the context of the header, this connected time helps your partner feel valued and appreciated.

For example, when you disconnect from technology during your special time together, it shows your partner that they have your undivided attention. Being fully present in the moment allows you to engage in meaningful conversations, share laughter, and create lasting memories. This level of presence communicates to your partner that they are important and deserving of your time and undistracted focus. It reinforces the idea that they are valued and appreciated, ultimately strengthening your bond and love for each other.

By consciously prioritizing and committing to this focused, technology-free time with your partner, you demonstrate your love and devotion through your actions.

8. Make Time for Them

Making time for your significant other in a busy schedule is essential for showing them that you love and care for them. One way to do this is by setting aside a weekly date night, where you can spend quality time together and focus on each other without any distractions.

Pursuing shared interests is another great strategy, whether it’s taking a class together, going for a hike, or cooking a new recipe. Surprising your S.O. with thoughtful gestures, such as leaving a love note or bringing them their favorite treat, can also show them how much you care.

It’s important to balance personal interests with quality time together, ensuring that both of you feel fulfilled and supported in the relationship. Finally, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a romantic spark can keep the love alive and thriving. By incorporating these activities and strategies into your relationship, you can make sure your partner feels loved and appreciated.

9. Be Their Biggest Supporter

Being your significant other’s loudest supporter and biggest cheerleader involves more than just saying “I love you” – it means actively supporting and encouraging their dreams and goals. To be the best supporter, you can offer help with your skills and expertise, listen to their ideas and provide constructive feedback, and be there to lift them up when they face challenges.

Show them that you believe in them by actively assisting them in their pursuits and helping them achieve their aspirations. By doing so, you make them feel cherished and valued, knowing that they have someone by their side who not only supports them but also wants to see them succeed. Your encouragement and belief in their abilities will drive them to reach their highest potential and feel loved in the process.

10. Lighten Their Load

It’s important to show our significant others how much we love and appreciate them, and one way to do that is by lightening their load with acts of service. A great way to demonstrate this is by surprising them with a chore they dislike. Whether it’s doing the dishes, folding laundry, or mowing the lawn, taking on a task that they usually dread will go a long way in showing them how much you care. As a mom, I always appreciate when my husband goes out of his way to help me with a chore like laundry, taking out the trash or even something as simple as making our bed.

When you surprise your significant other with this act of service, be sure to communicate that you don’t feel obligated to do all of the household tasks, but that you simply wanted to make their day a little bit easier. Letting them know that you recognize and appreciate their efforts in managing the household will make them feel valued and loved. This simple gesture is guaranteed to make them feel appreciated and cherished, and will remind them that you are there to support and care for them in any way you can.

11. Show Appreciation

Showing appreciation to your partner is a crucial way to express your love for them. Simple gestures such as saying thank you often, acknowledging their efforts, and celebrating their unique qualities can make a significant impact.

12. Learn to Love Yourself

Something that’s become more and more apparent as I’ve gotten older is that showing someone you love them begins with loving yourself. It’s so important to accept our imperfections and find both internal and external love in order to truly love others. When we love ourselves, we are more likely to experience a sense of “flow” and happiness, leading to improved relationships with our loved ones.

Loving yourself means accepting and embracing all parts of who you are, including your flaws and weaknesses. It means taking care of your physical and emotional well-being, and being kind and compassionate to yourself. When you love yourself, you are better able to love others and show them the same kindness and compassion.

When we love ourselves, we are better equipped to love others in a genuine and meaningful way, fostering stronger and more fulfilling relationships.

13. Show Them Respect

One of the most important aspects of showing love to your partner is consistently demonstrating respect for them. This can be achieved through a variety of actions, such as thanking them for the little things they do, showing genuine interest in their hobbies and passions, celebrating their unique qualities and abilities, and offering sincere compliments on their strengths. It’s also essential to be willing to apologize when mistakes are made and to honor your partner’s individual feelings. Avoiding name-calling and hurtful language is crucial in maintaining a respectful, healthy relationship.

14. Little Acts of Kindness

Showing your partner you love them doesn’t always have to involve grand gestures. In fact, it’s often the small, random acts of kindness that can make someone feel truly loved and appreciated on a daily basis. I know this is true for me.

By weaving these acts into your routine, you can demonstrate affection and strengthen your bond with your partner. Some simple ways to show your love include making them coffee, sending them unexpected flowers, or taking on household chores without being asked.

These small gestures can brighten your partner’s day and remind them of your love and thoughtfulness. Whether it’s a simple note of appreciation or a surprise date night, these random acts of kindness can go a long way in making your partner feel cherished and loved. So, be sure to incorporate these gestures into your daily routine to continuously show your partner how much they mean to you.

15. Plan Time for Each Other

To show someone you love them, it is important to prioritize spending quality time together. As busy parents, this can be easier said than done!

Try scheduling regular date nights, whether it’s a fancy dinner out or a cozy movie night at home. Plan for weekend getaways to explore new places and create lasting memories together. Make time for small activities, such as taking a walk in the park or cooking a meal together, to ensure a balance between big and small moments.

Discuss and agree upon a regular schedule for these special moments to strengthen your bond. Set aside specific days each week or month for quality time, and make it a priority to stick to that schedule.

16. Ask for Their Advice

In a long-term relationship, it’s important to constantly show your partner that you value their opinion and want to involve them in important decisions. One way to do this is by asking for their advice on various matters, even if you think they may not know much about the subject.

This not only demonstrates your respect for their thoughts and ideas, but also allows them to feel heard and appreciated in the relationship. When asking for their advice, be sure to show genuine appreciation for their help and take the time to consider their input.

By doing so, you are not only strengthening your bond with your partner, but also fostering a sense of partnership and collaboration in your relationship. Overall, asking for your partner’s advice is a simple yet impactful way to show them that you love and value them.

17. Be Romantic Every So Often

Surprising your partner with small, romantic gestures is a beautiful way to show them your love and appreciation. Leaving little notes around the house, picking a few flowers from the garden, or playing their favorite music for them are all sweet and thoughtful ways to express your affection.

These gestures don’t have to be extravagant, but they can mean a lot to your partner and help strengthen your bond. It’s important to keep the surprises small and genuine, and to not overdo it. Being romantic in small ways can show your partner that you care and can create special, memorable moments in your relationship. So, don’t be afraid to take some time to show love to your partner with these simple, heartfelt gestures.

18. Give Kisses & Hugs

Kissing and hugging your partner when you first see them is a crucial way to express love and affection. It sets the tone for the rest of your time together, signaling your happiness and excitement to be in their presence. Initiating physical touch is a powerful way to strengthen your bond and demonstrate your deep connection.

Research has shown that physical touch, such as kissing and hugging, has a positive impact on mental health and relationship satisfaction. It releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which can reduce stress and increase feelings of trust and security. Regular physical affection also fosters a sense of closeness and intimacy, leading to a more fulfilling and happy relationship.

My husband’s primary love language is not physical touch, but he knows how much I love and need hugs and snuggles everyday and he always makes time for it. It’s a little way that he shows his love for me and it goes a long way!

How do you show the people important to you that you love them? I think every committed relationship (friendship or otherwise) has its special quirks and unique ways of doing things, but hopefully this gives you a few ideas if you weren’t sure how to get started.

BTW, at-home date ideas to help you connect with your partner, and where did you meet your “person”?