6 Phrases That Mean More To Your Partner Than ‘I Love You'

“I love you” is considered the most important three words someone could say to his or her significant other. Those eight letters have the potential to make or break a relationship.

While telling someone you love him or her is one of the most exhilarating things you could do, there are many other phrases that are just as — if not more — important and thrilling to say. Many people get caught up with the concept of love or being in love so much that they forget there are other important things you need to say to someone in order to prove the love you feel is real in the first place.

1. "I’ll be there for you."

Letting someone know that you will be there for him or her is perhaps the most important thing you could possibly say. Actions really do speak louder than words. Anyone can say that he or she cares, but by being reliable and present, you show your significant other you truly mean it.

2. "You look beautiful or handsome."

Telling someone he or she looks beautiful or handsome is a classic and timeless compliment. While I am always flattered and enjoy being told I look hot, sexy, fine, etc., there is something to be said when a man tells me I look beautiful. Unlike other compliments, the word beautiful triggers a different, deeper notion that tells me, "I am not only beautiful to the eye, but in the mind, body and soul as well."

Dictionary.com defines beautiful as "having beauty; possessing qualities that give great pleasure, delighting the senses or mind." The person or thing holding this quality is the most "excellent of its kind." Anyone can be called hot or sexy, but when the one person you love calls you beautiful, it is the best feeling in the world.

3. "How do you feel?"

Asking someone how he or she truly feels about something is incredibly important because understanding each other’s feelings is the foundation of a relationship. In a generation where most people hide their feelings, being asked about how something makes you feel is one of the best questions someone could ask you.

When someone asks me how I feel about something, it gives me the feeling that my feelings matter. It also shows that my partner is paying attention to what is going on in my life.

4. "I was thinking we should do ___."

By thinking of things or places you want to do with your SO, you are showing him or her that you are planning your future with this person. Planning ahead does not mean you are destined to marry this person and spend the rest of your lives together.

It just shows that you’re thinking of that person and activities the two of you might enjoy doing in the near future. Planning trips, date ideas, movie suggestions, etc. shows that you were thinking of him or her and would enjoy sharing the experience together. Sharing experiences is one of the best things you can do with someone.

5. "I'm sorry."

As clichéd as it sounds, telling someone you’re sorry is incredibly important. Admitting you’re wrong is important because it shows you have taken the time to recognize that your actions were wrong, and you have considered how those actions negatively affected your partner.

6. "What do you think I should do?"

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I hate people who do whatever their significant others tell them to do." Before I explain the importance of asking your SO this question, you needs to understand that there is a difference between asking someone for his or her opinion and telling someone what to do.

People who do whatever their partners tells them to do are in seriously controlling relationships. People should not be told what to do or feel compelled to act in a certain way.

Instead, if one partner needs guidance or advice, he or she should ask for it. By asking your girlfriend or boyfriend for his or her opinion, you are letting your SO into your life by confiding.

Asking for your SO's advice is a powerful thing. It shows you care about what he or she has to say and value this person's opinion. It gives one the opportunity to talk and open up about life in a giving way where you are sharing important thoughts and questions with your partner.

In hopes of having the best relationship possible, I encourage you to take some time and try to tell your partner one or two of these things. Even if your relationship is new and you are not officially in love yet, you can still say these things. These phrases not only show someone you love him or her, but it also helps you learn more about your new partner and your relationship.

In a sense, these phrases and questions may even help you realize if your relationship feels right. If you don't feel like asking these questions or feel like your partner is not taking the time to say some of these phrases, it might be time to talk and start saying some of these things ASAP or walk away.