How to Express Your Feelings to the One You Love

Express consideration. Part of loving someone is wanting what's best for him or her. You can highlight this attitude by asking after your loved one's welfare. For instance, if you know he or she had a hard day yesterday, quietly ask how today is going. If you're running an errand, ask if you can pick up anything for your loved one while you're out. If he or she is facing a particularly difficult situation, communicate that you'd be glad to help out in anyway you can. Using your words to show how much you care can go a long way.

Pay him or her a compliment. A sincere compliment from the heart can be a subtle way of letting your loved one know how much you admire him or her. Pick out a nice physical feature (eyes and smile are always solid choices), personality trait or action to highlight. Whatever you choose, it should be something that makes the recipient feel happy and worthy.

• Know how to deliver a romantic compliment. Though the content of the compliment itself is nice, how you say it counts for a lot. Make the tone romantic by maintaining eye contact and keeping a half smile as you talk - it will make you naturally add appealing inflection to your voice. (Try this trick out when you answer the phone sometime and see if you notice a difference.) Keep the tones of your voice up, but lower the actual volume - speaking softly immediately communicates intimacy, and it can make people lean in closer to hear you. If this all sounds a bit difficult, practice it in front of a mirror. It's a good technique to know

Say "I love you". While you don't necessarily have to do this, it is the clearest way of communicating that you love someone. Here are some tips on making the experience more meaningful:

• Do it in person. Telling someone you love them over text, email or IM doesn't have the same impact as actually saying it out loud. If you can't handle being in that person's presence as you say it, do it over the phone.
• Manage your expectations. Don't let the experience hinge on whether or not the other person says it back. You should be saying it because you want to let him or her know how you feel, not because you need validation or expect something in return. Focus on being happy that you're able to express your feelings and make someone else feel admired.
• Pick the right time. Ideally, the moment that you tell someone you love them should be intimate and free of interruption. Pick a setting in which you can express yourself without feeling embarrassed or worried about someone else intruding.
• Keep the conversation low-pressure. Some people might see an "I love you" as indicating a higher level of commitment. Don't automatically assume the other person is ready to take the relationship to a closer level. Instead, preface your words by saying that you're not asking for anything in return and that you don't want the other person to feel pressured. This will help him or her enjoy the moment without worrying about what might be coming next.
• Maintain eye contact. It might seem terrifying to look into his or her eyes while you spill your guts, but try to do it. It will make you seem more honest and sincere, as well as enhancing the closeness of the moment.
• Don't allow an awkward silence. If the person you adore is quiet after your confession, find a way to start up normal conversation again. Say something like, "You don't have to say anything back. I'm just happy I could let you know how I feel" and carry on as usual. If a reply is coming, it will happen in its own time.