Marriage

10 Small But Powerful Ways To Say ‘I Love You’

Showing your love for your special someone doesn’t have to be grand or extravagant. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we want to remind you of some simple actions you can take to show your lover that they mean the world to you. Here’s our 10 small but powerful ways to say ‘I Love You’ to your spouse. Use these tiny tips to foster a vibrant and exciting relationship in the midst of everyday life.

#1: Write a short but sweet note, letter, or text message of encouragement

Everyone loves getting romantic notes from their better halves. It shows that you have them on your mind and in your heart. During those monotonous weekdays where both of you are focused elsewhere, hide a lovely note of encouragement or text them a warm โ€œhey, I just wanted to let you know…you rock my world!โ€ (see more awesome texts) Getting that warm fuzzy feeling is just what your spouse needs on those days!

#2: Shower them with compliments!

Tell your lover just how sexy, funny, lovely, or inspirational he or she is. Often in our home, youโ€™ll hear me say: โ€œyou look gorgeous today!โ€ (to which Eunice will reply: โ€œwhatever…โ€) I also donโ€™t want to ever walk past my wife without acknowledging her presence and expressing how she makes me feel. So donโ€™t be shy or awkward about it.

#3: Set aside time every day to spend together

The default for most couples is to hop on their phones or flick on the TV after the kids are in bed and the dishes are done. INSTEAD, turn these distractions off and turn to face each other. I try my best to take the lead in this (somebody has to break the vicious cycle). Get into the habit of asking how each other is doing, what the highlights and lowlights of their day were, or if they experienced moments of defeat or triumph. The benefits are huge; youโ€™ll learn more about each other and grow deeper in connection.

#4: Snuggle up to each other

Itโ€™s common for lovers to grow apart without even noticing. The emotional distance will also result in physical distance. Eunice will often times take my arm and put it around her or wiggle herself into my crevices. At first itโ€™s annoying because Iโ€™ll be doing something important (like holding the popcorn bowl), but after 2 seconds Iโ€™m cooperating. Bridge the gap and squish closer together!

#5: Surprise them randomly with gifts or treats

Getting a small something out of the blue will put a cheer on anyoneโ€™s face – especially your dawlinโ€™. It doesnโ€™t have to be something big or fancy. For instance, I like to bring Eunice her favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte or Bubble-tea when I come home from work; or Iโ€™ll surprise her with a meaningful token like the mug below. Ask yourself what things your spouse is into and spoil her one odd day!

10 Small but Powerful Ways to Say 'I Love You'
Great mug I found at a local Christian book store

#6: Do the chores they hate

Sacrificial love is the truest form of love. You can show this everyday by taking the chores/errands that your baby dreads upon yourself. Cleaning bathrooms, cooking dinner, washing dishes, scrubbing poop stains and changing bunny litter are just a couple things that I relieve (joyfullyโ€ฆ) from Eunice. You learn to love doing them because you know how much your spouse appreciates it. Besides, that washroom shines like a million bucks after Iโ€™m done with it!

#7: Take the kid away!

So I know we have this perception that moms have bottomless reservoirs of love and grace (curse you instagram!), but they really donโ€™t. They are human too. Eunice is mostly running on fumes around 4pm in the afternoon on weekdays. On weekends she lets me have a turn at motherhood (she says I need to bond with the children). So show some love by taking the kid away and give mommy a bit of quiet.

#8: Give her a back or foot massage after a hard day.

One of Euniceโ€™s love languages is physical touch, but letโ€™s face it, who doesnโ€™t like a good massage? If you want to say โ€œI love youโ€ on any given night, free your lover of whatever she is up to, get into bed early, put on some music or her favorite show, and give her a nice half hour message. *This also builds up your brownie points so you can ask for one back*  

#9: Give hugs and kisses – everytime and everywhere

Your spouse is the closest friend and companion you have. She has access to you in ways nobody else does and vice versa. Show her that level of warmness and embrace when you interact. I love to give Eunice a kiss and tell her โ€œI love youโ€ when I leave for work in the morning – even when sheโ€™s asleep; I love to give her hugs and kisses when I return. Somedays I forget and sheโ€™ll know (spoiled!). Obviously a marriage is more than hugs and kisses, but itโ€™s a small, but powerful way of showing that you love her.

10 Small but Powerful Ways to Say 'I Love You'

#10: Take her someplace special

Plan a getaway for just you two. It can be 30 minutes long or 4 hours long. It can be somewhere fancy or a walk in the park or a small coffee shop. Check out our favorite dates to go on. Nothing helps create a better environment for connection than getting away from all the responsibilities and distractions at home. Eunice and I are hoping to do this more often, but she is still very attached to Rosie!

So there’s our 10 small but powerful ways to say ‘I Love You’! What are some of the ways you make your spouse feel loved? Let us know below!

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23 Comments

    • George

      Yes! We tried to give you some tips for the big day ๐Ÿ™‚ Small things can mean a lot. Hope you had a good one!

  • Ashley

    I love this post! My husband is really good about saying he loves me and that I look great, etc. But I am not always great at telling him those things. So it’s nice to have a list of 10 to try!

    • George

      Haha yes….us guys usually get the responsibility. It’s nice when the spouse tries (just a teensy bit) as well! Glad this list blessed you! Which one are you planning on doing?

    • George

      Hehe looks like your love language is physical touch! Thanks for dropping by Laura. Oh yeah, is #6 your favorite because your husband does them?! haha God bless ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Hannah

    I love these ideas! #3 is one of my favorites. We get so caught up in the busyness of life that we forget how important it is to just spend quality time with each other without all of the distractions. My husband and I love to go for walks with each other when the weather is nice. It gives us a chance to spend a little time together and talk about our day and truly brings us closer because we so look forward to that time together. #5 is awesome too. I love surprising my husband with cookies or new shirt I think he would like. He surprised me today by having flowers sent to my work for Valentine’s Day! It truly is the little things ๐Ÿ™‚

    • George

      Hi Hannah! Yes…I know a couple who has to spend 30 mins everyday together. Even though they might get home at 2AM some nights…they still sit on the couch and talk for at least 30 mins!!! Communication and connection are key in marriage. Walking is great, keep it up! Hope you guys had a good Valentines day ๐Ÿ™‚ What else did you get up to?

      • Hannah

        We are going to nice dinner tonight at one of our favorite restaurants! Hope you both found a little time to do something special as well ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Sofia

    Great list! I’m a firm believer of whatever you water will grow. I know my husband loves hummus and pita chips, so I try to shop these randomly, or sometimes just fill the house with flowers, makes our home feels cozier and he feels more welcomed after a work trip!

    Keep up the good work! and many blessings to you guys!

    • George

      That’s a great analogy! Those are wonderful things you do for your husband ๐Ÿ™‚ He’s a lucky guy! Sometimes I get too into relieving my wife with the chores, when all she wants is to spend time with me! Always learning…thanks for the encouragement and dropping by ๐Ÿ™‚ What got you into blogging?

  • Nicole

    These are great. Consistently communicating โ€œI love youโ€ is so important and it helps to have different and actionable ways to do so. I know my marriage is always better when weโ€™re actively saying โ€œI love you.โ€ And thereโ€™s always bonus points for finding ways that specifically speak your spouseโ€™s love language. ๐Ÿ™‚ Love that your suggestions cover all 5 love languages!

    • George

      Thanks so much for the encouragement Nichole! Yes the verbal “I love you” is important. Growing up, I didn’t hear that from my parents, but what you don’t learn from your parents, you pick up from TV right? What’s most important though is confirming it with your actions. Glad these little tips helped! What’s your hubby’s love language?