13 Ways Not to Say "I Love You" to Your Significant Other

Dr. Jamie Yvette
There's no good substitute for the words "I love you" when they are shared openly and from the heart. And since no substitute will do, why bother coming up with one? Should you ever consider uttering any of the following statements to your significant other, please save your breath:

1. "I love you but I'm not in love with you."
Unless you like drama, don't even go there.

2. "I hate that I love you."
This proves nothing except that you are a very confused individual.

3. "I really want to love you."
Wanting to love and loving, as we know, are two very different things.

4. "I - uh - you know..."
How on God's green earth would anyone know what this means?

5. "Thank you for loving me."
Not a good response after someone has just professed their undying love for you.

6. "I think that I love you."
Gee, this is very reassuring...

7. "Ditto."
That tends to go over much better on the big screen and in music than in real life.

8. "I have very strong feelings for you."
You can also have very strong feelings after eating a burrito.

9. "I could fall in love with you."
Yeah, and you could become a millionaire tomorrow - but it doesn't mean that it's going to happen!

10. "The seeds of love have been planted..."
In whose garden?

11. "You are so lovable."
So are puppies, kittens and baby turtles.

12. "You should be able to tell how I feel about you by my actions."
Which actions? The way you pick your nose at the dinner table or the
fact that you leave your dirty clothes on the floor?

13. "I'm not one to really express my emotions."
What a copout! Yes it's true that some people don't verbalize their feelings well or often, but an "I love you" once every blue moon never killed anyone - at least not that I know of!

Published by Dr. Jamie Yvette - Featured Education Contributor

Dr. Jamie Yvette is a passionate and versatile writer whose expansive library on AC is a reflection of her diverse writing interests.  View profile

22 Comments

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  • addiedog5/17/2012

    How about saying "I love you... most of the time"? lol

  • Dr. Jamie Y. Marable2/25/2008

    Thank you for all of the recent comments. I'm glad this piece is still getting some traffic!

  • Indian imperial2/25/2008

    Haha...8, 10, 11 and 12 were just too funny. Lovely article, I feel relaxed... thank you!

  • Dr. Jamie Y. Marable2/3/2008

    How funny Julia! Thanks for commenting :)

  • Julia Bodeeb White2/2/2008

    Oh, this had me laughing and remembering the guy who used to write long, romantic letters and sign them "fondly"

    Great article

  • Orchiolum1/30/2008

    Fun.

  • Charles Reynolds1/28/2008

    Had a big laugh with this one, Jamie. Thanks. Needed that.

  • Dr. Jamie Y. Marable1/28/2008

    So true QUICHE. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

  • QUICHE1/28/2008

    This is a wonderful article, so many people find it hard to say the words "I love you". Yes you do all sorts of nice things for me to show your love, but I would love to hear it.

  • Dr. Jamie Y. Marable1/27/2008

    Glad you enjoyed Kay and Wise Lady!

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