Saying "I love you" for the first time to someone can be a daunting thing, especially if you've been wanting to say it for a while or it accidentally slips out when your significant other has just made a bomb spaghetti dish and you can't control yourself.
But there are also a lot of ways that people say "I love you" without even uttering the three little words. Some people do it through gifts and grand gestures, while for others it's more through those genuine, abashed smiles they give you when thanking you for having hung the washing up. Love is different for everyone, and so are the ways of expressing it. But here are seven pretty common ways your partner says "I love you" without saying anything at all.
1. They're not afraid to be goofy around you
By acting like a lunatic or making jokes that are probably a bit inappropriate, they're showing that they trust you and love you and that they're completely comfortable around you. They're not holding back, and they can be their most carefree, innocent selves around you. And there's nothing really better than that.
2. They like to get close
If they randomly touch your back when you're walking down the street, or move closer to you when you're standing around at home, it's not necessarily a sexual thing but a subconscious desire to be close to the person. Spontaneous hugs and kisses that are long and passionate are also obvious signs that this person really loves you.
3. Putting your needs first from time to time
You shouldn't be completely doting on another person, but when it counts, it's so nice. Like when they look after you when you're sick – buying groceries, running you a bath, forcing you to take a recuperating nap. And even if you're not sick you know they love you if they sit through your favourite TV show with you even though they actually can't stand it at all.
4. Saying thank you
By purposefully letting you know that they respect you and appreciate the things you do or certain characteristics you have, they're showing just how much they care. Happy and functional relationships involve more gratitude than they do criticism and petty arguments.
5. They snap out of their foul mood when they're with you
Even if they've had a rough day at work or have had a near catastrophic argument with their best friend, they try and keep their chin up, talk about it with you, but not let it drag both of you down. You're there for each other, and even if you're really busy or totally consumed with something, you always make time for each other.
6. Giving you little presents
Bringing home flowers or your favourite bottle of wine shows they're thinking about you and that they know what it is that you like. Even just surprising you by having cooked dinner or having done the dishes when it was actually your turn are little things that go a long way.
7. Being nice to people you care about
You can't forget the other people in your life when you're in a relationship, which is why it's so nice when your significant other gets along and is genuinely kind to your friends and family too. You don't have to hang out together all the time, but just knowing that they make an effort to bond with the important people in your life shows they're generous with their kindness to others too.
Even if your partner doesn't say "I love you" all too often, there are plenty of little signs you can read from to know that they do. And if you want to bolster your relationship, why not aim for these
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