Love is shown in many different forms for different kinds of people. Some people say ‘I love you’. Some people hand write it in a card. Some people send it in a text. Some people pay for it to be written in the sky. There are an infinite amount of ways to show your love. It might vary based on the day and who you’re bestowing it on.

A great starting point for learning how to share love is getting familiar with Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages. If you know your partner’s preferred love language, use that to your advantage by recognizing how they like to receive love and care. For reference, here are the love languages and their meanings.

Words of Affirmation

Say “I love you” for no reason.

Be spontaneous and build your loved one up. Scream ‘I love you’ from the rooftop or whisper it in an intimate, private setting.

Receiving Gifts

Surprise them with their favorite treat.

Use gift giving as a way to express your love. A thoughtful and meaningful gift can be as easy as bringing home flowers or picking up something at the store that reminds you of them.

Quality Time

Plan a romantic getaway

Focus on using your time and attention to express love to your partner. Time and undivided attention go beyond spending hours together in front of the TV or going through social media feeds. Quality time is measured by dedicating a slot of time to spend together with zero distractions.

Acts of Service

Do a chore they can’t stand.

Display love by using the motto “actions speak louder than words.” This language focuses on taking on tasks your partner needs assistance with or dreads completing on their own. Whether it’s doing the dishes, matching socks, taking out the trash or scrubbing the gunk out of the tub, take it upon yourself to check it off the list for them.

Physical Touch

Hold their hand

Use physical touch to give your partner a sense of feeling loved through a simple, affectionate touch of your hand. In the car. At a movie. Walking down the street. It’s a small gesture that will make your sweetheart feel all warm and fuzzy.

10 Simple Ways to Show Love Without Saying It

Beyond incorporating the love languages into your relationship, there are a few simple gestures and things you can do to show your love without having to say it or gift it.

1. Make them dinner

The way to a human’s heart is through his or her stomach. Look up a new recipe or whip up their favorite meal. Be sure to pair it with their favorite beverage and set the scene with flowers and perhaps a few candles.

2. Let them sleep

After a long week, sleeping in is a big treat. This will score you some serious points — they may even return the favor next weekend.

3. Be a good listener.

Listen to what your partner has to say and actively contribute to the conversation.

4. Notice something new

Pay special attention to your sweetie the next few days. If you spy a new shirt, haircut, accessory or hint of a new perfume, let them know you notice.

5. Put your phone away when you’re together

Disconnect yourself from the online world. While it’s fun to send each other memes and social media gossip, it’s more enjoyable to spend undistracted time with your significant other.

6. Ask how they are doing

A simple check-in to ask how they’re doing is something that tends to go unnoticed. Ask how they’re feeling, how work is going, how their family is.

7. Plan a date night at least once a week

It doesn’t have to be an expensive and extravagant date night. Grabbing dinner and watching a movie is a classic, yet intimate date night you and your partner can look forward to each week.

8. Leave them a love note

Take a second to drop them a love note in their book bag, pursue, etc. Tell them how beautiful they are on a Post-it® Note and stick it on their mirror. The element of surprise will put a smile on their face. Think of hidden places and create a little scavenger hunt out of love notes!

9. Tell them how much you appreciate them

Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that you’re appreciated. Tell your significant other what you appreciate most about them.

10. Give them a random compliment

Who doesn’t love compliments? Compliment them on how funny they are or how cute their smile is. A compliment can make their day and boost their self-confidence. Compliment your loved one every chance you get!

Whether you choose to display love using the five love languages or you have your own alternative ways to say ‘I love you’, there’s never a wrong time or place to tell your loved ones how much you care about them. Share in the comments all the different ways you show love to your family, friends and significant other.