There are, of course, far more than 7 ways to say “I love You”, but these seven are particular favourites of mine for their ability to transcend the spoken word, and express the reality of your love into all that you do. The different cultures that they are drawn from have placed their own meaning on the expression, over and above the standard expression, adding to the depth and breadth of your love.

“I Love You” - English

These three words have appeared in English language music and literature since time immemorial, and are spoken by lovers every day. The phrase reminds us to let our partners know that we love them everyday, even in the most humble and trying of circumstances. In the hectic, workaday life that we live, it can become all to easy to let the words pass across our lips without any real thought to their meaning. It becomes a part of our regular routine, an automatic utterance that is little more than just another part of our daily ritual. The next time you speak these three little words to your lover, pause for a moment, and in speaking them, give them the meaning that they deserve.

“Je t’aime” or “Je t’adore” - French

If anybody knows romance, it’s the French. Wine and cheese, croissants enjoyed at a sidewalk cafe, and walks along the riverside, all are elements of romance, and these French phrases are tailor made to bringing romantic love into your relationship. There is a difference between the two expressions, however, that should be noted. While both can be used to express our feelings to someone special, the first “Je t’aime”, is somewhat more general, and can be used with close Friends and family, as well as our partners. It is an expression of love, but not necessarily romantic love. “Je t’adore” can be translated to “I adore you”, and is an powerful statement of romantic love, used between the two halves of a couple.

Using these two ways of saying I love you is to say that I love you for more than just your body! “Je t’aime” says that you love your partner for who they are, independent of your romantic inclinations. “Je t’adore” speaks to the spousal love that you hold for them. The two together say that you love your partner completely, just for being who they are.

“,\,,/” - Sign Language - (represents position of fingers when signing ‘I Love You’)

It’s just as important to tell your lover how much you adore them by deed as it is to tell them by word. The actions you use to communicate your affections can sometimes be far more powerful than words alone, so make sure to show them how much you care in the things you do for them. Volunteer to do the dishes after a particularly hard day. Take out the garbage without the need for a reminder. The things that we do as an expression of our caring for the other in our life, are just as important and far more powerful than spoken words can ever be, for our actions put the truth into our words.

“Ya tebya liubliu” - Russian

The Russians are seen as a nation of fierce passions and when they love, it is a love complete and without reservation. Here we are reminded to love with abandon, and allow ourselves to get caught up in the whirlwind of emotions that make love the greatest experience known to mankind. Allow yourself to become caught up in a kiss, or enveloped by an embrace. Let your partner be your world. Love is at times tender and at times fierce. Let yourself be swept away by a torrent of passions, and those same Passions will lift you to heights never before imagined.

“Aishiteru” or “Anata ga daisuki desu” – Japanese

Honor and respect are the hallmarks of Japanese culture, and so should you always strive to love your other half in the same way. Treat them in such a way as to let them know how much you value them. Respect their thoughts and opinions, and honour them in all that you do. Lift them up every chance you get. Be their strength when they have need of it, and cheer them on in all their endeavours. Be your lover’s number one ally, and staunchest supporter, and they will in turn never abandon you.

“Amin mela lle” - Elvish - (From The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien)

Every great love has elements of fantasy and adventure to them. Never let the adventure end, and you will live a life of love that seems like a fantasy to others, but be a blissful reality to you and yours. Strive to keep it fresh and alive. Brush up on your kissing tips, surprise them with something unexpectedly wonderful, and keep the magic of love alive in their hearts. Conquer a kingdom or slay a dragon, or even weave and arcane spell upon their senses, filling with the elvish grace and beauty that makes for a world worth living in.

To female - “ani ohev otach” (said by male) “ohevet Otach” (said by female) - Hebrew
To male - “ani ohev otcha” (said by male) “Ohevet ot’cha” (said by female) – Hebrew

No matter who you love, express your sentiments in a way that is unique to you, and specific to them. Let them know that they are your one and only, and there is no other. Love transcends all boundaries and transcends all times. It is the one constant, and yet is unique to every individual. Discover your lover’s uniqueness, and address it directly every time you say “I love you”.

Never stop exploring different ways to say I love you, and your partner will never doubt the depth of your affections. Over time you will develop your own language of love, one based on time, experience and shared memories. Through this you will find new and highly individual ways of saying I love you, in a secret language that only you and your partner can understand. Your spoken affections will be a secret language, rich in depth and meaning, and as unique as the two of you are when you are together. Every aspect of your life will say, with utmost eloquence, I Love You.

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