Whether you’ve just met someone spectacular in a whirlwind of love at first sight or you’ve been saving those three little words for a long time now, telling someone you love them is never easy. It’s amazing how those three words roll off the tongue so easily in front of the mirror, but when it comes time to say them in person, they become almost impossible to express. You know exactly what you want to say, and you’ve got it all planned out in your head—but then, you see their face, your mind goes blank, your knees go weak, and the words you were going to say float away on a wayward breeze.
If you’re considering telling someone you love them, you might feel like you need a little coaching. If that’s the case, read on for a few tips from the experts to help you tell that special someone exactly what they mean to you.
How to Tell Someone You Love Them
When planning what you want to say to show your lover how much you care, you probably want it to sound romantic. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If thinking things through is making you nervous and forgetful, it’s okay to go with the flow. A simple word, spoken at the right time, can be far more meaningful than a mouthful of words spoken at the wrong one.
Go Traditional
If speaking aloud has your stomach in knots, the tradition of the written word is one of the most romantic ways to express your feelings. Skip the greeting cards that commercialize your emotions. Instead, go for heartfelt lines written out on beautiful paper.
To add a touch of old-world charm to your love letter, seal it with a wax stamp. You can also “age” the paper by dabbing it with a wet tea bag and letting it dry. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even singe the edges with a lighter (held over the sink, of course). Just be sure to blow out the flame quickly so it doesn’t consume your entire letter!
Get Help
If you’re struggling to express how you feel or if you’re one of those people who doesn’t easily show emotion, use a book, quote, or song to say what you need to say. If you have a favorite book, highlight special lines that remind you of the person you love and ask them to look for these quotes. And while a mix tape may seem a bit old-fashioned, it can still be a beautiful gesture if done with care and sincerity. Update the mix tape concept by choosing timeless songs like Frank Sinatra’s “Had to Be You,” Tony Bennett’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” or classics like Ella Fitzgerald’s “At Last” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Get Away
If the hustle and bustle of everyday life is making it hard to find the time to say just the right thing, consider getting away for the weekend. Romantic cabins are a great, affordable option to give your sweetheart a getaway that makes them feel special. A simple change of scenery—whether it’s a cabin in the woods or a staycation in your own city—can work wonders for taking your relationship to the next level of romance.
For a more luxurious experience, websites like Priceline and Hotwire can help you find great deals on five-star hotels, cruises, and international flights. Some of the most romantic places in the world include Tuscany, Paris, and Hawaii. Once you’ve decided on the perfect destination, do the research to find the best deal. After all, pretty words always sound more beautiful in an equally beautiful setting.
Yes, telling someone you love them can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do. But when they say those three little words back to you, it will suddenly become one of the best things you’ve ever done. Remember, even if you stumble over your words or things don’t go as planned—even if they go horribly off track—it’s the thought and emotion behind it that truly matters, making “I love you” the most beautiful phrase in the English language, no matter how you say it.
