Ways to Show Your Love to Friends

You often hear “rules” about how and when to say “I love you” in a relationship, but how do you say this to a friend? Moreover, how to make sure that person knows you love them in a pure way? Especially when you and that person don’t usually show your emotions, it can be awkward to say outright “I love you” (but if that’s your style, say so!). In any case, we’ll answer your questions about how to let your friend know how much you love them, honestly and naturally.

Table of Contents

Add nicknames.

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Use intimate words to express pure affection. ^{[1] X Research Source} Saying “I love you” is okay, but you can add their names like “Lan à,” or “Minh ah,” if it makes you feel more comfortable. If you have nicknames for each other, you can also combine them in that sentence. After all, nicknames are a sign of love and affection. ^{[2] X Research Source}

“I love you, kid.”
“Hey old man, I love you.”
“Hey idiot! I love him.”

Say “I love you” in short.

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Lighten up the intensity of “I love you” by shortening it. It may feel more natural to say this in a conversation, and you still have to express your feelings. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Say “I love you so much!” when the two of you say goodbye to go home after a night out.
Text “TYC” or “I love you” or “Love you!”

Add the word “you” to the conversation.

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Avoid misunderstandings by clarifying how you see them. Just saying “I love you” sounds a bit tense, and makes you apprehensive about its romance. To stay clean and draw boundaries, pair that love statement with a good comment on what friendship means. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

“I love you, Lan. It’s good to have a friend like you. I probably wouldn’t have made it through algebra without you.”
“You are such a good friend, Minh. I love you!”
“I’m glad we’re friends. I love you.”

Just say “I love you.”

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Of course, you can tell them directly that you love them without adding any additional information! If you are concerned about purity, choose a normal time to speak. ^{[5] X Trusted Source Go Ask Alice Go to the source} For example, if you think the quote is too romantic, don’t say it while staring into their eyes under the starlight, while dancing. dance or watch the sunset on the beach. Here are some innocent situations where you can say “I love you”:

Your friend is about to go on a business trip or away.
Your friend is informing you of an important life event or achievement (e.g. graduating from college, becoming a parent, getting a job).
The two of you haven’t seen each other in a while.
You are thanking them for doing something for you (e.g. buying food, giving them a ride, picking them up from the airport).

Send pictures via text message.

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Send GIFs instead of words, or attach emojis to your messages. It’s hard to judge the tone of your text messages, so you can show your innocence with something silly or exaggerated. If possible, you should choose a GIF that mentions a person/celebrity that you both like. For fans of the heart symbol, choose a heart in an uncommon color like blue, green, or yellow to be safe, and choose red or pink if you want to spread the love and want to scream. that you love them. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Find GIFs of cute animals and include the text “I love you”.
Choose a GIF that says “I love you”.
Send “I love you” text with an animal emoji or any emoji to avoid misinterpreting as flirting or romantic. You can send a kissing face emoji or a heart emoji if you don’t worry about being misunderstood.

Let them know they are like your loved ones.

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Do you feel that your best friend is like your brother/sister? Incorporate them into your family by saying you love them and consider them part of your family. ^{[7] X Research Source} Talk about your past and how they have helped you so far. Use family language to draw boundaries, and make it clear that your relationship is completely pure.

“I love you, brother. He was always there for me in difficult times.”
“You’re like my brother, I love you.”

Describe their influence on your life.

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How has their friendship shaped you? Indirectly show your gratitude to them by making it clear how important their presence is in your life. You can add “I love you” as you see fit, but even without saying it is a great way to show deep gratitude. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

“I don’t know of a friend who can make such a big impact on my life as you. Your friendship has made me stronger and more empathetic.”
“Because you have kept me company and helped me, I have always felt loved over the past year, even though it was a difficult time for me.”

Explain why you admire them.

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Tell that friend why they are a role model to you. What qualities of them would you most like to have? What have they done that makes you inspired, moved, or want to renew yourself? ^{[9] X Research Source}

“Lan, I heard about how you take care of your patients, your selfless work ethic inspires me to help others.”
“I really admire the way you strive to become a director. His work ethic is admirable.”
“One day I hope to be as good at windsurfing as you are. You are my inspiration.”

Do good deeds.

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Help them do something to show love. Surprise your friend by giving them a ride, buying them a meal, or doing something they don’t enjoy doing. You can do it yourself, or join them in a team to handle the job. Putting in the time and effort is one of the best ways to say “I love you” – especially if you’re not very good with words. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Help them get through tough times.

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Let them know you trust them and explain why. Even if they’re not having a hard time right now, you can still show your love by praising them for being a true warrior. Describe how they were successful in the past and what qualities would make them successful. ^{[11] X Research Source}

“I really believe in you and I know you’re going to crush this competition because you’re so fast.”
“I am always here for you, and I know you will make it through. You are a strong person!”

Praise wisely.

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Highlight their accomplishments or qualities, or whatever makes them special. Add “I love you” if it feels right, or let the compliments speak for themselves about your love for them. Afraid that you show too much enthusiasm? He will be grateful for what you say. But if you’re still worried, you should avoid compliments about your appearance so as not to create a romantic feeling. ^{[12] X Research Source}

“You’re always the lifeblood of the party.”
“I like your clothes today. But I like you too.”
“Your voice is amazing.”

Explain what you mean if they get it wrong.

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Still speak naturally, and gently reframe their thoughts. If he misinterprets the innocent “I love you” in a romantic sense, things will get awkward. Perhaps they will feel uncomfortable, or really feel for you and rekindle hope. If they feel uncomfortable with that statement, explain it as pure affection and continue the conversation. If he has a crush on you, gently explain that you don’t mean it.

“Ah, I mean the love between two friends.”
“I really care about you, but in a pure friendship way.”
“I think you’re awesome. But I only see you as a friend.”

Steps