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We asked WheninManila.com readers, “What’s a sweeter way of saying “I love you”?” Their answers did not disappoint.
Below are some of our favorites:
“Come home early, and I’ll cook your fave for dinner.”
As a country that loves to ask “Kumain ka na?” it’s no surprise that food is an unofficial love language. So many readers gave variations of this, from “Pagod na pagod ka ah. Initin ko ‘yong ulam. Magpalit ka na ng damit tapos kumain at magpahinga ka na. You did well” to “How’s work? Upo ka lang diyan, malapit na maluto dinner.”
“Samgyup tayo.“
Inviting a loved one for samgyeopsal is also a popular way of saying “I love you,” and you know what, we agree.
“Sayo na ang balat, kahit sakin na yung buto.“
What’s sweeter than offering the skin of your favorite fast food restaurant’s fried chicken?
“Bilhan kita ng kape.”
Another popular variation that’s still food-related is offering coffee. It could be an invite to a cafe, buying a cup, or making a loved one’s coffee how they like it. If love had a smell, it would probably be coffee beans.
“Gala tayo. Sagot ko na.“
We wholeheartedly agree with this. A WheninManila.com reader who loves reading books said, “Let’s go to the bookstore. I’ll buy you books.”
“What’s your GCash number?”
We were surprised at the number of people who said this, but we’ll take it. We’ll send you our QR code.
“Ito pera, bumili ka ng gusto mo.”
This answer was another surprise. One reader said, “Ito P100,000. Pang-shopping mo.” Lol.
“Here is my salary.”
This answer probably applies to married couples (and moms), but we won’t say no to this!
“I bought you something.”
On the other end is buying something a loved one likes. One reader said this is sweeter than “I love you”: “May bibigay ako sayo kasi naalala kita.” Another gave this reminder: “Hindi lang dapat sa jowa i-expect na maranasan ‘yan kundi maging sa kapamilya o kaibigan.”
“My heart has been searching for you all my life. I love everything about you, from your eyelashes to your toes. Heart and soul, I belong entirely to you.”
/swoons
“I prayed for you” and “kasama ka sa prayers ko.“
Music to our ears!
“You are my favorite distraction.”
*cries*
“Pipiliin kita araw araw.“
We would literally cry if a loved one told us this.
What do you think? Share your thoughts below!
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As someone who believes that actions speak louder than words, I love how this article highlights the unique and heartfelt ways people express their love beyond just saying “I love you.” Whether it’s cooking a favorite meal, offering a thoughtful gesture like coffee, or even something as simple as sharing a salary, these small acts create deeper, more personal connections. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just in grand declarations, but in the everyday things we do for each other. I think it’s time we start recognizing these actions as powerful expressions of love. What do you think—are these acts more meaningful than traditional phrases?