These different expressions offer some variety by giving specifics as to why you love your partner, and give a breath of fresh air in expressing those three little words.

If your loved one makes your life better or easier, communicating their influence on making your life richer, lets them know they are wanted, valued, and loved.

Since sacrificing anything is not easy, being vulnerable with the one you love shows your commitment to the relationship.

It doesn’t have to be something serious, although it can be. Just letting your partner know that you are interested in their opinion, and want to know how they would approach something allows them to see the respect you have for them.

It shows your loved one that they can just let loose about how they are feeling, and you are there to be their outlet and listener. While they’re expressing their feelings to you, make sure you are completely there and in the moment. This means refraining from looking at your phone or any other kind of distraction and being focused on what your partner is saying. Be attentive to how they’re feeling when telling you what is bothering them, and give thoughtful feedback. If you find yourself at a loss for words, a strong and meaningful hug can always show you’re there for your loved one. [3] X Research source

Sharing secrets creates an inner circle of just you two, reinforcing a greater bond between you and your partner.

It’s a sign of respect to your partner that you are honest with how you feel while taking into consideration that it might not be the most comfortable option. Just remember to be gentle with the truth. The truth may be hard to hear, but it doesn’t have to come off mean.

You can encourage your partner by saying things like, “I believe that you can do this,” “You’re a hard worker, and that hard work is going to get recognized,” or “All of your efforts are going to pay off soon. " Supporting your partner, and pushing for their success shows your love in words of reinforcement.

Mention stories and memories that bring back good feelings. Just remember to write what you love about them, how they make you feel, and why you’re happy to be with them. Writing a letter by hand is your best bet to show that what you have to say is meaningful, because it takes more effort than typing up a note or text message. Also, your personal handwriting shows through which gives a nice touch of genuineness.

Although it’s a simple act, listening is a very powerful act of caring that shows you are there to help your partner through whatever they are dealing with. Listening to your partner reinforces the idea that you two are a team together, and you are there when your partner needs help.

Doing things like running out to get breakfast before they wake up, filling up the gas in their car, or washing their dishes in the sink, are all small ways to show your loved one you are always thinking about them.

For example, if you’re going camping, bring extra sleeping mats for your partner, because you know they have a difficult time sleeping on hard surfaces. Or, if you’re going on a picnic, pack some extras of your partner’s favorite snack as a surprise.

It’s really not about the amount of time you share together, but the quality of that time. It doesn’t have to have a strict schedule, but the fact that you made the effort at all is what really counts. [6] X Research source

This might not seem like a direct display of love, but by keeping things fun in your relationship, it shows that you are working to always have an enjoyable time with your loved one. Go on an adventure together that will create memories and stories for times to come.

Hugs using both arms and facing your loved one are the most romantic. Other kinds of hugs (one-armed hugs, side hugs), are more casual and don’t hold that much meaning. A good, meaningful hug usually last a little longer. 5-7 seconds is usually a good amount of time to express your feelings in a hug.

Don’t be afraid to show your love with touch. Touching is just another way people can sense love.

The easiest subjects to talk about with your crush are things you have in common, like classes, places you’ve traveled, or favorite restaurants. Talking about things you have in common will lighten the mood and help you relax.

For example, if you’re talking with your crush or passing by them, you can give them a light touch on the upper arm. If you’re sitting next to your crush, you can casually let your feet or knees touch every once and smile to show your feelings. Just a little bit of physical attention will let your crush know that you like them. Touching your crush lightly just once or twice during a conversation is sufficient enough to let your crush know how you’re feeling.

For instance, you can begin with, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you better over these past couple of months. . . " or “I just wanted to let you know that over this past year, you have become one of my best friends. . . ” In our day and age of technology, typing out a text message or Facebook message is easy. Writing a letter by hand is more sincere and requires a bit more effort. Because of the added effort, your gesture is that much more appealing to your crush.

Keep it short and sweet. You don’t want to go too much into how much you like your crush or why, before you have your answer as to how they feel about you.

After you tell your crush how you feel, give them time to react and process what you’ve said. Don’t immediately ask them how they feel or what they think. You don’t want to come off too intense. Give your crush some time to react and respond, and try not to put pressure on them.

Once you know your crush likes you back, you can ask your crush on a casual date by offering to go see a movie together, or catch a baseball game. This will offer up some time for the both of you to get to know each other better. If your crush doesn’t share your feelings, at least you had the confidence to take a chance. There are plenty of other opportunities to find someone right for you.