5 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’

Note: I may earn money or products from the companies, products, or links mentioned in this post.

So happy to have a lovely lady Adrienne from Military Spouse Central guest posting for me today. Such an honor! This Valentine’s Day whether your spouse is home or deployed here are some ways to say “I love you” though your actions!

The phrase “I love you” is a fairly overused term. You say it more than you think – to your significant other, family, friends, pets and so on – meaning it tends to lose its beauty verbally.

To tell someone that you love them is one of the greatest things you can do. It shows you care and will be there for them no matter what, and if your spouse is overseas, the opportunity to say “I love you” comes around less frequently than you would like.

With this in mind, here are a number of unique ways to express this beautiful saying:

1. Create Your Own Pin-Up Photo Shoot
For spouses whose soldier has been deployed, it can be very hard for both parties to keep the “spark” going, so why not show your hubby you care with a homemade pin up photo shoot?

Pin up shoots are incredibly easy to do. Simply put together some pin-up looking outfits (fit and flare dress, a high-waisted skirt, etc. or check out these tips on how to shop for pin-up apparel). Pick a fun spot in the house or outside, and have a friend or family member take a few photos.

Even just a few shots of you in some red lipstick and pumps will be enough to say “I love you” and your spouse won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.

2. Homemade ‘I Love You’ Box
Nothing makes someone’s day like a box of reasons why you love them. Put together little pieces of paper (or just use post-its!) and write down a memory or favorite personality trait you just adore about your loved one. If they have a birthday coming up, let’s say 30th, create a box with 30 Reasons Why I Can’t Stop Loving You or 30 Reasons Why I Love You.

For deployed soldiers, using a cardboard or travel-safe container may be a wise choice to avoid any damage while en route. A love box is an extra special way to make them feel loved and will surely put a smile on their face.

3. Photo Collage
Creating a collage of happy memories is always a sweet gift that really shows that special someone you care. This gives you an opportunity of bringing together the sweetest moments in your relationship, surfacing moments that haven’t been at the forefront of your thoughts.
Plus, most stores such as Walmart or Walgreens have a photo center online (and in-store) that you could easily upload your photos and choose from a variety of different products that it can create for you. No crafting, no mess. From mugs to personalized calendars, you can make pieces that will last a lifetime. In addition, for you craft enthusiasts, Pinterest is a perfect way to come up with fun ideas.

4. Finish That Project
If you and your loved one have been working on a project around the house for months now, but just can’t seem to get it done, why not surprise them and finish it yourself?

Granted, some projects are not an easy task and the help of your spouse may be required, but if you can find a way to complete them without their help, it could be a wonderful gift. It’s a load off their back and shows that you appreciate them so much that you’d be willing to stay up extra late just to open up more free time to spend with them.

5. The Little Things
As much as we hear or talk about how cute it would be to receive little love notes from our significant other, we never actually take the time to do it. Express your love in one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways by getting some cardstock or colored post-its and leave a note on their pillow as you’re leaving for work. And, if your spouse is deployed, put together a care package, write multiple notes and hide them amongst the other gifts where it will be a loving surprise.

For additional ways to say ‘I Love You’ this Valentine’s Day see Kathryn’s 2013 Valentine’s Day Guide.

Whether you see your loved one every day or won’t see them for months, it’s never a wrong time to find a creative way to tell them you love them. Taking the extra step is worth it, especially for such an important person in your life, and tells them you never take them for granted, because true love doesn’t come around often.

Adrienne May is a military spouse, a mother of three and is the featured author for the Military Spouse Central blog with an active social network of over 100,000 military spouses and family members. Follow her on Google+ or tweet her at @AdrienneMay.