Because Sometimes, You Need More Than Three Little Words
Saying "I love you" is a powerful expression, but it's not always enough to fully express how deeply you feel about the person you truly cherish. So, what are some expressions you can say to add that extra oomph? Here are 20 phrases that are even more meaningful than those three little words we all know.
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1. You're the Apple of My Eye
This one can be a little cheesy and overused, but it still works, especially in a playful, cute way. We'd suggest following up this phrase with a romantic gesture, like with cards, flowers, or a handmade gift, just to amp it up a bit more.
2. You Complete Me
You know what they say—when you love someone, you're partners in crime, two peas in a pod, two halves of a heart. So, what's more romantic than saying "I love you"? Obviously: "You complete me."
3. I Can't Live Without You
Don't think the more extreme romantic phrases are only reserved for specific moments, during grand gestures. On the contrary, it's when you're both just spending a quiet night in, watching a movie, that these words sound the most meaningful.
4. You're the Only One for Me
Sure, this might sound a little similar to "You complete me," but we still think there's some nuance that makes this phrase more impactful. After all, who doesn't want to hear that they're the only person for someone else?
5. There's No Word in the Dictionary for How Much You Mean to Me
We suggest pulling out an actual dictionary when you say this—just kidding. But it's true: when you're in love, it's often such a strong, passionate, and layered emotion that you can't even begin to describe the way you feel. And a person who can make you experience all those things—sad, happy, angry, invincible—is someone worth keeping.
6. My Heart Is Where You Are
What's more romantic than saying your partner is the other half of you and your heart? That they're the sole keeper of your heart alone. It might sound cheesy when you're reading this now, but it's an incredibly beautiful thing to say.
7. You're the One I've Been Waiting For
It's rare to find someone that's perfectly right for us from the get-go. You'll usually have to go through a few relationships and grow up a bit, to truly understand who you're looking for and what kind of person you want to share the rest of your life with. This is why this expression means so much once you finally meet "the one."
8. You're the Light of My Life
This might be another overused one you've heard in movies, books, TV shows, and other pieces of media, but there's a reason why it's such a popular phrase. If you want to amp it up a little, you can say instead: "You're the light on my darkest days."
9. You're My Favorite Person
For most people, their life partner is their best friend. And that makes sense: you spend every waking hour with this person, and you share all your good and bad moments with them. Through it all, you've stuck together through thick and thin, so of course they've become your favorite person.
10. You're the One I Want to Wake Up to Every Morning
Speaking of spending every waking hour with the love of your life, that's another romantic phrase you can say. Since, when you're in love, your partner is the person you want to see first thing in the morning, and who you miss even during the few hours you're asleep.
11. You're Everything to Me
Some people might argue that this sounds unoriginal or cliché, but trust us—when said the right way, it can be one of the most romantic things to tell your partner And before you ask: yes, it's different from "You complete me," and "You're the only one for me." Like love itself, each phrase carries its own unique nuance.
12. I'll Go Anywhere with You
What's more romantic than telling your partner you'll go to the ends of the earth with them? This phrase shows your devotion, your support, the unbreakable bond between you both. You can even follow this one up with "My heart is where you are."
13. I'll Always Choose Us
No matter what conflicts you face or hiccups you experience in your relationship, telling your partner that, even if you could do it all over again, you'll always choose them and this bond is an extremely powerful thing to say. This is almost the equivalent of saying that nothing else matters but the love you have for each other.
14. You Make Me Feel Alive
Before you meet "the one," you probably went through the motions of life monotonously, feeling stuck, like you're missing something. But then this one person comes along and they change your entire world, make your heart skip, and give you back that spring in your step. This is the perfect saying to convey how important they are and how impactful their presence has been in your life.
15. I'm a Better Person Because of You
Along with changing your world, your partner might have changed you—for the better. You're now a different person than who you were before you met them because their influence has helped you grow in positive ways, and you're happier because of it.
16. You Are My Sun
To really amp it up, you can say this instead: "You're my sun, my moon, and my stars." We can't exactly explain why referencing the solar system is romantic, but it is. You can even play around with this phrase to vary it, mentioning different planets or specific constellations.
17. Home Is Where You Are
This one has a slightly different nuance than "I'll go anywhere with you," or similar expressions. You might argue it's the same as "My heart is where you are," but believe they're both unique. After all, when you're with the person you cherish and love deeply, that's home.
18. I Think About You Every Second of Every Day
Who doesn't want to hear that they're always on their partner's mind? That's why this is such a romantic expression. Other ways to word it are: "There's no moment in time when I'm not thinking of you," or, simply, "You're all I ever think about."
19. I'll Never Let You Go
When you've found "the one," make sure you cherish them with every fiber of your being and don't let them go. While relationships are rarely ever smooth sailing all the time, if this person is someone you want to stick with no matter what, make sure you let them know.
20. You Are My Happy Ending
Similarly, if your partner completes your story, let them know. You can get as poetic or writerly about this as you'd like, especially if you're a creative yourself. Anyone who has read a good romance novel will know that a happy ending is the best feeling there is.
