23 Ways To Show Your Boyfriend You Love Him

These unique and fun methods to express your affection can get his heart racing.

Reviewed by Michele Waldron, Psy.D, LADC-I, CSCT
Written by Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Sangita Goel, MA  • 

We all get carried away by grand gestures. In a relationship, we might end up attaching too much importance to fancy vacations and expensive outings. But in the long run, it’s the small things that count. Are you wondering how to tell your boyfriend you love them? There are various simple ways that usually mean way more than expensive gifts or grand displays of love. Whether you both have been with each other for a while or have just gotten together, it is not always easy to express your love to your partner. Take the time out to show your boyfriend how much you adore him, so your relationship stays healthy and happy.

Now that you are thinking outside the conventional box, are you looking for some creative ideas? In any relationship, it is essential to know how to express love to your partner and make them feel loved at all times. Here are a few simple things you can do to express your affection and admiration for your boo. These gestures will not only strengthen your relationship but also show him how much you care. Take a look!

23 Ways To Show Love To Your Partner

1. Give Him Your Full Attention

Woman listens attentively to her patner
Image: Created with Dall.E

Give your bae your complete undivided attention when he is talking to you. Get away from that pesky phone, put your laptop away, and clear your head of the day’s stress. Give him the same love and attention that you did when you first started dating. Don’t multitask when communicating with him. Make a point to really listen to what he has to say. Whether you both are talking about something meaningful like your partner’s insecurities or some other insignificant nitty-gritty – like his dislike for pineapple on pizzas – you should be listening intently and remembering all the information.

2. Do A Little Something Kind For Him Every Day

Remember, it doesn’t really take a lot to make someone’s day. Surprise him and whip up his favorite dish for dinner. Slip an “I miss you” or “I love you” note into his lunchbox. Give your bae a genuine compliment on how he looks. These kind and loving gestures can prove to him that he matters to you.

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You can also write cute short love messages on sticky notes and paste those on the washroom mirror so that he sees them first thing in the morning.

3. Anticipate His Needs

This becomes easier if you have spent a lot of time with him and are in a long-term relationship. Try to predict what your significant other wants before he even knows that he needs it. This will come from understanding his values and requirements. These don’t have to be big or expensive things – little gestures can mean a lot. For example, if he has the habit of forgetting to take his towel to the washroom, keep it on the hook for him. Replace his deodorant/ shampoo/ soap before it runs out. Do these charming little things that won’t take up much of your time but will mean a lot to him.

4. Affirm Verbally That You Care About Him

Practice verbally affirming your love, respect, and admiration for your partner on a regular basis. If you are past the initial “I love you” stage, make sure you are saying those three magic words regularly. You may feel like you are just stating the obvious, but it is worth reminding your SO that you love him. If someone hears something repeated over and over again, they are bound to truly believe it. The more you affirm that you care for your partner, the more it will stick with him and make him feel secure in the relationship.

5. Know His Language Of Love

Know His Language Of Love
Image: Shutterstock

Does he like physical touch, acts of service, acts of kindness, or gifts? Learn these little things about your significant other and love him right. If you notice that he gives you regular kisses on the cheeks or plays with your hair, you can try doing the same things to him. Find ways of showing affection that both of you are comfortable with. This will help strengthen your relationship.

6. Let Him Know You Are Listening

Listen closely when he speaks. Validate your significant other by responding and participating in the conversation. Communication is a very important factor in a relationship. If you don’t agree with them about something, it is fine to let them know about it. However, clamming up or ignoring them when they are trying to communicate with you is a surefire way of driving a wedge between you both or ensuring that he never confides in you again.

7. Make Time For Him, No Matter How Busy You Are

Make an effort to spend quality time together. This is an amazing way to show your significant other that you cherish them. Even if you have to squeeze out time from your hectic schedule, you should do it. Give him your time; it is a small yet meaningful way to show how much you care. Meet up with him on your lunch breaks, stop by his workplace to say hello, or even commute home together – these all are things you can work into your daily schedule. You need to figure out what works for you both and then hang out whenever you can.

8. Make Physical Contact

Remind him daily that you love him by touching him playfully and lovingly – this helps build affection. Good physical contact can also help you stay calm (1). Besides, when there is frequent romantic touching, couples in a relationship feel more secure. Reach out and grab his hand while walking down the streets. Give him a kiss on the cheek before you head off to work every morning.

9. Make Eye Contact

Make Eye Contact
Image: Shutterstock

When you make eye contact with your partner when they are speaking to you, it lets them know that you are fully present in the current moment. Knowing that he has your full attention will make him feel seen, loved, and validated and also improve your connection.

10. Give Him A Hug

Give him a bear hug! When you give your partner a hug, pull him closer to you. Hugging tightly and pressing your hearts and stomachs together and calms the nervous systems down. Science says so (2)!

11. Tell Him Why He Is Amazing

Tell him why you love him. Saying “I love you” is one of the most amazing things in the world. But telling someone why you love them can be a very romantic and emotionally intense experience. Knowing what actually makes us different from others makes us feel unique and special. Verbalizing why you love your SO can leave a strong positive impact. You can make little notes of all the things you love about him and leave them around the house for him to find. He will find them every few days and feel immensely loved and adored.

Isis Grace, a blogger, chose to express her love for her boyfriend through an open letter detailing why she thinks he’s amazing. She celebrated their first month together with a letter detailing all the ways she feels grateful for her partner’s existence in her life and how he takes care of her, makes her laugh and gives her time. She writes, “I want to thank you for being so damn amazing, for you’re everything that I’ve ever wanted and so much more.” She also notes how the letter is something as special as any other ‘firsts’ in a relationship, stating, “There’s something very special on every first letter, you know. Just like your first kiss, first love, first date, and much more (i).”

12. Get Closer

Lean in. Hold his hand in public. Fluff his hair. All these gestures of light intimacy show that you truly value what you have and that you are totally involved with him, his feelings, and his life. Subtle PDA is a wonderful way of boosting your partner’s ego and making him feel special.

13. Cheer Him

Cheer Him
Image: Shutterstock

Be his biggest supporter and fan – both in private and in front of your friends and family. Showing support to your partner and giving him genuine compliments makes him feel adored and more confident. Praise his achievements in front of relatives, tell people all the good things he does for you and the community – make him feel seen and loved. He should know that you are aware of all the good qualities he has and that you appreciate them.

14. Share Your Feelings

If something is bothering you, and you are not feeling the love, talk it out with your significant other. Be honest, and don’t criticize him. Instead, express what you need by being vulnerable and with all genuineness.

When we let our guard down, we often see that the other person also gets calmer. Express your inner feelings without getting agitated or grumpy about it. Don’t dwell on past mistakes. Give yourself and your SO the space to learn and grow.

15. Pay Attention To All The Little Things

Notice the small things he says (and some things he doesn’t say), and act on them. If he likes a particular food item, try surprising him by cooking it for him. Did you notice that his shoes are wearing out? Replace them. Has he been too busy at work to catch up on the bills or change the light bulb? Surprise him and do it for him. He will learn to love these little gestures of love you do just for him.

16. Ask Him What He Wants

Too often, we assume that what we desire is what our partner desires. Ask your bae when he feels most loved and what kind of affection he appreciates. While you may think its awkward, asking what your SO prefers takes the confusion and guesswork out of it – and you are definitely more likely to get the response you are hoping for.

17. Be Receptive To His Affection

Be Receptive To His Affection
Image: Shutterstock

Showing affection isn’t up to one person — it’s a two-way street. Be receptive to his affection and appreciate his little gestures of love. When we open ourselves to connecting with our partner, it fosters a stronger bond. If he extends his hand, don’t be shy to extend yours. If he wants to cuddle, cuddle him back. Show your love physically, mentally, and spiritually.

18. Accept What He Has To Offer

Remember, appreciation is the key! Most often, we assume that love is all about giving. But that isn’t the case. When one partner keeps on giving, and the other partner keeps on receiving, it creates an imbalance. Appreciate and accept everything your lover gives you and show him some love, too.

19. Flirt A Little

Just because this person is already a part of your life, it doesn’t mean that you both can’t get all silly and flirty with each other. Not only is flirting a little with your bae fun, but it may even bring you both closer. Want to take it up a notch? Do it in public.

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Ask him out on a sudden lunch or dinner date and visit places you visited with him during the initial days of dating. Revisiting the memories is fun and shows your love for him.

20. Cuddle And Netflix

Even regular, seemingly mundane tasks, such as watching TV, listening to songs, or even drinking coffee, are a great excuse to spend time with each other and show each other some love. Increase your closeness and Cuddle under a blanket while watching a movie on Netflix – it is pretty much perfect for getting some quality time together. Don’t force this. Find subtle ways to show your affection even in the midst of your busy schedules.

21. Comment “I Love You” On His Social Media Posts

Comment I Love You On His Social Media Posts
Image: Shutterstock

Haven’t you low-key wished someone would openly gush over you on social media? Make his day by letting the universe – and him – know how you love him. Comment on his pictures, leave little heart emojis – or just type “I love you” on his wall. Shout from the metaphorical rooftops to show the world you love your man!

22. Don’t Criticize His Family Or Friends

If there is one thing that is important in a relationship, it is mutual respect. This will show him you care about not hurting his feelings. You can support him when he is going through difficult situations with others, but only if he initiates the conversation. Take your cue from how he is responding to the situation. If you have negative feelings about a family member or a friend of his, express yourself tactfully.  However, be careful and considerate in your conversations. When you treat his friends and family with respect, he will also reciprocate by respecting your family and friends.

23. Never Sweat The Small Stuff

Don’t be a nag. Don’t let small things ruffle your feathers. It will not only create unnecessary stress and drama in your relationship but also cause you both to resent each other after a while. Keep your calm and stay composed even in tough situations. Don’t lose your cool easily. It is important to stand up for yourself, but it is equally important to learn when to let go.

Infographic: The Importance Of Showing Love To Your Man

There are numerous ways of showing your man that you love him. However, since many men are not very emotionally expressive, we tend to assume that they do not need affection. That could not be farther from the truth. In a romantic relationship, open expressions of love and affection are nurturing for the couple as a pair as well as the individual partners. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the reasons why showing love to your boyfriend is important.

the importance of showing love to your man (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

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It is important to keep reminding your loved ones how much they mean to you to keep the relationship fresh and growing. Your boyfriend, too, deserves an occasional display of affection to sweep them off their feet. And you do not even have to spend a small fortune or plan an elaborate gesture to do it. Something as simple as letting them know you are there for them, hugging them, or graciously receiving their affection can go a long way. So, give your time and attention to let your boyfriend know how much you love them! Also, it is crucial to understand that honesty, devotion, commitment, and loyalty are the essential pillars of a relationship, so be mindful of these pillars for a lovable relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell my boyfriend I love him over text paragraphs?

Keep it sweet, short, and straightforward. You may add flowery words but ensure that you convey the message correctly. Tell him how special he is and how happy he makes you.

How to tell my boyfriend I love him for the first time?

First, calm yourself down. Confessing your love for the first time can be challenging, and it is okay. Look him in the eyes and express your genuine feelings. Ensure you have his undivided attention. If required, prepare your lines beforehand.

How long should I wait to tell my boyfriend I love him?

Understand your feelings for him first. If you have some unresolved conflicts from the past, wait till you have healed completely. This applies to your boyfriend too. Let him heal if he needs to. Then, once you both are in a good place in your lives, take the plunge and say it out loud to him.

Key Takeaways

  • Paying attention, being helpful and kind, and anticipating his needs can show your boyfriend you love him.
  • Express love, respect, and admiration verbally to make your partner feel secure and appreciated.
  • Understanding your boyfriend’s love language such as physical touch or words of affirmation can help you show your love for him more easily.

Do you want to express your love to but don’t know how? Check out this video for tips on how to tell someone you love and make them feel special.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Calming Effects of Touch in Human Animal and Robotic Interaction—Scientific State-of-the-Art and Technical Advances
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.555058/full
  2. Receiving a hug is associated with the attenuation of negative mood that occurs on days with interpersonal conflict
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6169869/
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