Blame it on the big screen for putting so much pressure into 3 little words. I LOVE YOU. It’s not even that hard to say (supercalifragilisticexpialidocious presents much more of a challenge). So why do guys choke on it? What is it about “I love you” that makes it a deadly combination of peanut butter, polvoron, and barbed wire in your man’s throat? 

It’s probably because he thinks he has to mean it 100% before he can actually say the words out loud. But what if he didn’t even have to articulate them for you to get the message loud and clear?

This is what a good friend and a priest (2 separate people) let me in on. There is more than one way to “say” I LOVE YOU, and here are 5 in particular (from 5lovelanguages.com). Don’t miss them and you’ll feel loved everyday:

SPENDING TIME WITH SOMEONE

Time is our most valuable resource – it’s the one thing we can’t earn back. When he spends time with you, he’s put down 3 things all at once: a PS3 controller, a basketball, and a bacon cheeseburger. Yeah, he loves you.

TOUCHING AND BEING NEAR THE ONE YOU LOVE

Face it; you’re not dating John Mayer. He doesn’t burp rainbows and heart-melting lyrics. He’s just a guy who hugs you, kisses you on the forehead, and gives you backrubs when you need them the most. Jennifer Aniston would take that over a song dedication any day.

SAYING WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

I love you. You’re awesome! I like your dress. I believe in you. You did great back there. The latter 4 seem to have less impact than the first; but said often enough, they can be just as meaningful.

GIVING GIFTS

It’s literally the thought that counts. You can’t put a price tag on the effort (big or small) put behind getting someone a present and looking forward to seeing the smile on his/her face – it’s priceless. An impromptu gift is an “I love you” wrapped in a pretty bow.

RENDERING ACTS OF SERVICE

No matter how manly he tries to seem, that couch you made him carry is still breaking his back. But he’ll finish the job anyway and won’t expect a sweaty hug afterwards. Everyday acts of service like clearing out the dishes, driving, carrying shopping bags… are messages of love in unglamorous bottles. But they work (literally)!

The 3 words are still music to the ears but try putting these 5 in your relationship playlist. You’ll find them in your “Top Rated” list before long.