19 Things To Say Instead Of “I Love You” If You Just Aren’t Ready Yet

You’re in a relationship with a really wonderful person and while things have gotten pretty serious, you’re not quite ready to utter the L-word. It’s not necessarily that you don’t feel it, you just want some more time to process and sit with your feelings before you make any big declarations. However, you want to say something to let the person know how much you care about them. If you’re not ready to say “I love you,” here are some alternative options that should do the trick.

1. I’ve never met anyone like you in my whole life. Obviously tone counts here — you don’t want to sound sarcastic or mention this when they’re doing something that annoys you. Let them know how unique you think they are and how much you love getting to know someone so different from everyone that came before.
2. You make me so happy. This expression is classic. It’s a lot to say to someone that they’re contributing so much to your happiness. That’s a pretty big well to add to since you’re totally fulfilled and complete on your own, but they’re making a significant splash.
3. There’s no one in the world I’d rather be with. This is a bold statement. I’m sure there are plenty of people in your life that you love, but you’ve chosen this person as the most important to spend time with. Pretty cute!
4. “It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.” — The Fault In Our Stars Oh, author John Green. He’s such a lush. This quote is a unique slant on an “I love you.” It’s sort of saying that it’s better to have loved and lost than not at all because your partner is worth it. Why else would you be signing up for a broken heart? (Also, use this one at your own risk since it is kind of corny and not everyone’s cup of tea.)
5. Being with you feels right to me. This lets your partner know that they’re fitting snugly in your life. They’re right where they’re supposed to be and that’s in the front seat of your day-to-day. What a compliment.
6. I fall more for you every day. Not only are you falling for them at this very moment, but you were also falling for them yesterday and will be tomorrow. Your feelings keep compounding into a beautiful pile of love.
7. I really really really like you. Just because you’re not ready to say “I love you” doesn’t mean you don’t like them a whole lot. You’re allowed to go little kid style on your partner. Sometimes it can be super cute to say something silly like this. Plus, it gets the point across that you definitely feel strongly about them!
8. I love watching you [do that thing you’re good at]. Maybe it’s guitar, painting, writing, or some other thing, but you just adore watching them do it. It makes you fall for them even more to see them doing something they’re so passionate (and good) at.
9. I really effin’ cherish you. The use of profanity gives it all the more oomph. It’s in your face and saying “listen to me!” Plus, the word cherish is a little antiquated and totally different, so your partner will know you really thought about this.
10. I’m loving where we’re going. This tells your partner that you’re happy with where you are and you’re also stoked about where you’re going. You have faith that it’s going to be something good.
11. I adore you. This is some puppy love stuff. Adoration is just a step away from love! Plus, it’s so cute and sweet. Who doesn’t want to be adored?
12. You’re my number one. Of all the people in the world, you choose them. They’re your person. This is a sweet one because you’re basically saying “I love you” without having to use those words.
13. I’m crazy about you. You might as well say “I love you” when you say this one, but it’s a little lower key. You’re letting your partner know that you’re developing some serious feelings for them that are bringing you to your knees.
14. You make my insides warm and tingly. Going with something cheesy like this one isn’t a bad idea. It’s another one that’s kind of child-like, which can also be lovely. This one’s sure to plaster a smile on your loved one’s face.
15. You’re my person. A very bold statement, you’re letting them know that you’re not messing around. They are yours, or at least you hope so. Is there any better feeling?
16. I can’t believe how deeply I feel for you. Your shock sends the message that your feelings are intense and are even surprising you. You’ve fallen hard and you want to share this with them. You’re not ready to say “I love you” at the moment but this comes pretty close.
17. You’re the best partner ever. This one sends a wave of appreciation to your partner. It lets them know that you just think they’re the greatest and are so glad to have them in your life.
18. You’re amazing. Letting your partner know how much you appreciate them can be done by complimenting their awesomeness. Sharing how great you think they are definitely sends the “I love you” message without saying it.
19. I have butterflies in my stomach when I’m with you. Butterflies are a sure sign that you’re falling for your partner. Sharing with them that you have them is a vulnerable move but is sure to melt their heart.
20. What did I do to deserve someone as great as you? Again, complimenting them on how lovely of a human they are is a good way to express your feelings. This one is a little self-deprecating, but that’s okay.

Why you’re not ready to say “I love you” just yet

Just because you’re not ready to say “I love you” right now doesn’t mean you never will be. Give things time and when the moment is right, you’ll know it. That will make it even more perfect when you do finally vocalize your feelings. Here’s why you’re not there just yet.

1. You’re not sure how you feel about them yet.This is probably the most obvious explanation for why you just can’t say those three little words just yet. You like them, sure, and you’re having fun getting to know them. However, love is a very big word and a meaningful one. You’re not ready to just throw it out there until you’re absolutely certain that’s how you feel.
2.    You’re afraid of getting hurt again  . You’ve been there, done that, got the t-shirt. You allowed yourself to be vulnerable enough to tell someone you loved them and they seemed to use that as ammunition to completely destroy you in the end. Traumatic relationships and/or breakups can stick with us for a long time, so if there’s one that’s still fresh in your mind and heart even if it’s been a while, it makes sense that you’d hesitate to go there again.
3. You don’t know if you can trust them. You’re pretty sure you do love them but you’re not sure if you trust them yet. There’s something in the back of your mind that just won’t let you relax into things with them and you know that once you say “I love you,” all bets are off. You don’t want to give them that power in your heart or let them know they have that power so you’re holding back. To be honest, I don’t blame you.
4. You worry they like you more than you like them. Maybe you think that what you’re feeling for them is love but their version looks so much more intense and hardcore that you’re not quite sure that you’re on the same page. Everyone experiences love differently, but you worry that by saying those words to them, they’ll get the wrong idea that you’re basically ready to commit your life to them when it’s not that deep. You don’t want to give them the wrong idea so you keep quiet.
5. You have a fear of commitment. Just because this is more common in men doesn’t mean it’s not extremely common in women too. There’s something in you that freaks out whenever you think of fully committing to a partner, and saying “I love you” is definitely a commitment. Before those words are spoken, you can kind of hold yourself at a distance in a way and things don’t seem so scarily serious. Once you go there, there may be no going back, and you’d like to avoid that at all costs. What you don’t realize is that you could be missing out on an incredible love story — you just have to be brave enough to go out there and live it.