Although many people use this powerful phrase loosely, there are
times when you want to say "I love
you" in a meaningful way. Whether you're professing your love to a
romantic partner or expressing it to a relative or friend, it can
be difficult to convey how much they really mean to you. Love
reflects the intensity of how you feel. But by keeping the
following suggestions in mind, hopefully your love will not only be
understood, but it will also be welcomed and returned.

Make it special. For many people, dropping the "I"
allows the sentiment to be expressed casually, such as before
separating (e.g. "Time to go. Bye! Love you!"). Using the full
phrase, however, can be reserved for more intimate moments,
especially during a special event, such as when a child is just
born, or even to reassure someone when bad news has been received
or during moments of cherished silence, like after a kiss.

Make eye
contact. If you love this person, hopefully you feel
comfortable enough to gaze into their eyes when you express your
feelings. Making eye contact shows sincerity and communicates
trust.

1. Say it at an appropriate tone. If you're at home and
   there's not much background noise, keep your volume low; don't
   whisper unless you bring your lips to their ear, which can also be
   a very intimate way to express your love. If you want to tell them
   how you feel in public, it's up to you whether you want to pull the
   person aside, or say it in front of friends or even strangers. It
   depends on your loved one's personality, and your own personality.
   Some will find it terribly romantic to be told they're loved across
   a room full of people; others may find it mortifying.
2. Smile. It can be
   nerve-wracking to tell someone that you love him or her, only to
   wait anxiously for their response--especially if it's the first
   time either of you have verbally expressed love. The best way to
   overcome this fear is to not expect the phrase in return. Your
   intention can be to tell the person how you feel, with the hope of
   making them happy and showing them that they are valued. Remember
   that unconditional love means not demanding anything in return. So
   smile, and perhaps give your
   loved one a hug. If they love you,
   too, they'll say it in their own way and in their own time.
3. Be creative.
   Say it in different languages. Write it into a poem or even a haiku. If you
   want to be romantic,
   spell it out with rose petals on his or her bedroom floor. Write it
   in code, like 1337 or using a Vigènere cipher.
   Say it in little ways, like post-it notes in unexpected places, and
   express it in every way you can.
4. Love. Don't just say
   it, do it. Love is not just a feeling; it's an action.
   Saying it without showing
   it is, in a way, a lie. Express your love
   in action as well as in words. Children can show love for their
   parents by cleaning up their room without being asked. A person can
   send flowers to their partner in the middle of the week for no
   particular reason other than to show love. Acts of kindness for the
   one you love, without being asked, speak louder than words. Do
   things for your loved ones that they are not willing, likely or
   able to do for themselves.