Sometimes words don’t do justice to the depth of our feelings.
Maybe you’ve felt that moment when you want to tell someone you appreciate them, but “thank you” or “I love you” just doesn’t cut it. That’s where nonverbal communication steps in—small gestures that can speak volumes.
Below are eight ways I’ve learned (both from personal experiences and from reading extensively about human behavior) to express love without ever opening your mouth. Let’s get into it.
1) Make meaningful eye contact
It might seem trivial, but genuine eye contact can carry more weight than we realize. When we lock eyes with someone in a caring way—holding their gaze, smiling slightly, and giving them our full attention—it sends a clear message that we see them and value them.
Eye contact is one of the most fundamental forms of nonverbal connection, backed by plenty of research. According to a study, eye contact has the power to form an immediate bond, triggering feelings of empathy and closeness.
In day-to-day life, that might look like simply looking up from your phone when they enter the room or making sure you watch them as they speak, rather than glancing around. I’ve noticed that if I truly hold eye contact (without making it awkward, of course), conversations often feel deeper and more sincere—even if I haven’t said much.
Think about the last time you felt genuinely heard—chances are, the other person gave you direct eye contact. It’s a simple, powerful gesture that often goes unnoticed until it’s missing. Making consistent, warm eye contact can be an effortless way to let someone know you care.
2) Offer supportive touch
Touch can be more intimate than any words you could ever utter. Whether it’s a soft hand on the shoulder, a gentle back rub after a stressful day, or an enthusiastic hug, physical contact helps people feel grounded, loved, and appreciated.
Psychologically, affectionate touch releases oxytocin—a hormone sometimes referred to as the “love hormone.” This hormone fosters trust and a sense of safety, which is critical in all sorts of relationships.
Of course, it’s vital to respect boundaries and ensure the other person is comfortable with touch; not everyone is a hugger, and that’s perfectly okay. But if you know your friend or partner enjoys a warm embrace or a quick cuddle, don’t underestimate its power to convey deep affection.
I remember a close friend once telling me that a pat on the back when he was down said more to him than any pep talk ever could. It’s easy to think we have to come up with the perfect words to comfort someone, but sometimes a hand squeeze or a compassionate shoulder pat is all they need.
3) Give your undivided attention
In a world where smartphones, social media apps, and nonstop notifications are constantly vying for our focus, offering undivided attention is nothing short of a gift. We’ve all been guilty of half-listening to someone while scrolling through a feed or mentally drafting a to-do list.
Yet, giving someone your full presence—silencing your phone, setting aside distractions, and really listening—is like telling them, “You’re important to me,” without actually saying anything.
I’ve mentioned this before but small gestures, such as putting your phone on “do not disturb,” can go a long way toward communicating how much you care. When we eliminate distractions, we make space to truly connect.
As Daniel Goleman has noted, “True compassion means not only feeling another’s pain but also being moved to help relieve it.” Part of that compassion is dedicating yourself to the other person in the moment—tuning in to their emotions, gestures, and energy.
So next time someone close to you is sharing a story, resist the urge to multitask. Put your device down, make eye contact, and just listen. It’s a profound demonstration of love and empathy.
4) Practice thoughtful acts of service
We often hear about the “love languages,” which include acts of service, gift-giving, touch, words of affirmation, and quality time. Even if you’re not big on words, you can communicate everything you need to say through little gestures of service.
Simple tasks—like making them coffee in the morning, picking up groceries on a busy day, or tackling a chore they dislike—can significantly lighten their load and show you’ve been thinking about their well-being.
There’s something special about realizing someone has gone out of their way to make your day easier. It tells you they pay attention to your needs and take joy in helping you feel supported.
I once surprised a friend by cleaning up the kitchen after a big dinner party she hosted. She didn’t ask me, and I didn’t make a grand show of it. But when she walked in and saw everything tidy, the look on her face said more than any thank-you message could.
Little acts of service can mean a lot, especially on stressful days when a quick helping hand feels like a lifeline.
5) Use body language that radiates warmth
Body language is a universal dialect. It’s exactly as Kendra Cherry has said: “Body language can often speak louder than words.” If we hunch our shoulders, cross our arms, and avoid eye contact, we might unintentionally send a message that we’re closed off or uninterested.
Conversely, open body language—turning toward the person, relaxing your posture, nodding to show understanding—signals that you’re all in.
Try something small: the next time you’re sitting next to someone you care about, angle your body towards them instead of facing away. If they’re talking, lean in slightly. Give a gentle nod or smile to acknowledge their points. Even if you don’t utter a single word, these subtle shifts can make a world of difference.
I find that when I consciously keep my posture open, I feel more engaged. It also helps me remain in the present moment—my mind doesn’t wander as much. Think of it as a silent “I’m here with you, I’m listening, and I care.”
6) Spend quality time in shared activities
Whether it’s binge-watching a favorite series, going for a long walk, or cooking a meal together, spending time in a mutual activity can be an incredibly powerful way to bond.
Quality time doesn’t require constant chatter. Sometimes, it’s enough to simply be with one another, doing something you both enjoy—or even just sitting side by side, reading or painting.
According to research from the Gottman Institute, couples who frequently share positive experiences and activities together build a stronger foundation of friendship and intimacy. But this isn’t limited to romantic relationships.
Family members, friends, even co-workers can strengthen their bonds through shared experiences. Personally, I’ve found that taking a long walk or hitting the gym with someone can lead to unexpected conversations—or comfortable silences that still bring us closer together.
There’s no need to plan an elaborate vacation or spend a fortune on fancy dinners. Sometimes the simplest activities, like an evening puzzle or a lazy Sunday with good music in the background, can be profoundly meaningful.
7) Give unexpected, heartfelt tokens
Small gifts can say a lot, especially when they’re given with genuine thought. I’m not referring to expensive jewelry or lavish tech gadgets—though, if that’s your thing, go for it.
I’m talking about the heartfelt little surprises: the handwritten note slipped into their jacket pocket, the bouquet of wildflowers you picked up because you remembered they said they loved the color purple, or the homemade card that took ten minutes but shows you really care.
I’ve read research suggesting that thoughtful gifts create lasting positive associations in our brains. The reason is that they’re physical reminders of how we’re valued. As Oprah has famously said, “Love is the cure for all, the answer to every question.”
Sometimes, a small token at just the right time can convey an answer to the unasked question, “Am I appreciated?”—and that’s pretty powerful.
The next time someone mentions a random favorite snack or complains about a small inconvenience, pay attention. Then surprise them with something that solves their problem or makes them smile. It’s a stealth move, but it works magic in showing you’re invested in their happiness.
8) Celebrate their achievements
Finally, let’s talk about the power of celebrating accomplishments—without going on and on about it in words. When someone you care about shares good news, a simple high-five, an enthusiastic grin, or a congratulatory pat on the back can capture how excited you are for them. That joy can be far more sincere than a generic “congrats” text.
Small gestures that highlight their success could look like writing a brief note of acknowledgment (“Saw your big win at work. Proud of you.”), baking them something sweet, or just beaming at them when they talk about their achievement. The key is to make them feel that your pride in them is genuine and not just polite.
We all crave recognition and validation from people who matter to us. Nonverbal celebration can feel less forced than a long speech—and sometimes, it feels more heartfelt. By showing genuine happiness for them, you communicate that their success matters to you, too.
To sum up
While words can be powerful, it’s often our silent actions that speak the loudest. From simple eye contact to small acts of service, these gestures create a sense of warmth, security, and devotion.
If you ever wonder how to show the people in your life how much they mean to you—beyond the usual “I love you”—try sprinkling in a few of these approaches. They don’t require grand gestures or endless chatter, yet they go straight to the heart.
Keep on the up and up.
Mar 15, 2025
