23 Ways To Say I Love You To Your Best Friend

Studies show that there are physical and mental health benefits to having healthy friendships. Friends can be a positive platonic force in your life, and you may have many exciting and memorable experiences with your friends throughout your years. Many individuals have one or more best friends who they spend the most time with or value deeply. Knowing how to express love to these individuals can be beneficial in connecting more profoundly with them.

1. Say “I love you” 

If you want your friend to know you love and care about them, consider saying, “I love you.” It is a direct form of communication to tell your friend how you feel; they might appreciate hearing it if you haven’t told them before. You might also tell them why you love them. For example, you could say: 

• “I love how fun you are.”
• “I love spending time with you.”
• “I love you. Thank you for being my best friend.” 
• “I love you, man. You’re my best friend.” 
• “I love how we always laugh when we’re together.” 
• “You’re so kind and thoughtful.” 

2. Send memes

Some friends might connect best over humor. If that’s the case for you and your best friend, consider sending your favorite memes for them to laugh over. You might also send a TikTok you liked or a funny video on YouTube. 

3. Share memories

If you and your best friend have been together for a while, you may have many meaningful memories. Consider discussing them with your friend and sharing pictures. You could also create a photo album together to commemorate the time you’ve been friends.  

4. Buy a gift

Some people’s love language is gift-giving and receiving. If you or your friend is one of them, they might appreciate a thoughtful gift. Think of what your friend loves and enjoys, and consider finding a gift that fits their passions. It may have significant meaning to them and say more than any words. 

5. Make a gift

Although buying a gift can be meaningful, some friends might appreciate a gift made by hand with thought behind it. Some ideas for handmade gifts for your friends include: 

• A knitted blanket or scarf
• A scrapbook of memories
• Handmade jewelry 
• Baked goods 
• A gift basket
• Handmade clothing 
• Art 
• A book you wrote 
• Homemade soap or beauty products

6. Go on a trip together

Some friends enjoy traveling. You could get to know your best friend more and talk to them about how much your friendship means to you while taking a trip together and taking in the sights. Ask your friend where they’ve always wanted to go and make a plan to make it happen! 

7. Gift them a list of what you love about them 

If your friend feels loved through words of affirmation, consider writing a list of what you love about them and how they make you feel loved and cared for. It could include aspects like: 

• Their humor 
• Their kindness
• Their open-mindedness
• Their gentle nature
• Their smile 
• Their thoughtfulness 

8. Give them an endearing nickname

If your friend feels comfortable with it, consider giving them an endearing nickname they consent to. It could be a fun way to make them feel cared for whenever you use it or an inside joke between the two of you. 

9. Thank them 

Consider thanking your friend for all they do for you and the fun times you’ve had together. It could mean a lot to your friend if you don’t normally say thank you or show gratitude. 

10. Check on them 

At times, people may struggle without showing it. If your friend seems to be going through a difficult time, consider asking them how they are. Symptoms of mental health conditions can go unseen at times, such as symptoms of depression. It may mean a lot to your friends to see that you care how they feel and want to support them through any difficulties they might face. 

11. Share quotes

If you and your friend enjoy reading, consider sending meaningful quotes. You could also surprise them with a quote calendar which allows them to read positive quotes each day as they check the date. 

12. Celebrate their birthday

Remember your friend’s birthday. If you struggle to do so, consider adding it to your phone or home calendar. When their birthday comes around, consider doing something special or asking your friend how they would like to celebrate it. If they would prefer that you do not celebrate their birthday, respect their wishes, as some people may not like their birthdays. 

13. Tell them you miss them 

In cases where you haven’t seen your best friend in a while, consider telling them you miss them. It may make your friend feel loved and remind them that you’re thinking about them. 

14. Talk to them when you can

Talk to your friends when you can to show them you’re thinking about them and want to keep your relationship going. If you and your friends are often busy with work or other responsibilities, send them a message over social media. 

15. Make sacrifices

At times, making healthy sacrifices for relationships can be a way to show you care. These could be sacrifices like: 

• Deciding to spend time with your friend instead of watching a movie
• Taking some extra time to respond to their message when you’re tired to show you care 
• Offer to accompany them to a difficult task

If you don’t feel it’s healthy or safe to make sacrifices for your friend, it can be okay not to. 

16. Open up to them 

Talk to your friend about the difficult times you’re going through if they’re open to listening. Some individuals may struggle to open up, and if your friend is usually the one to open up to you, they might want to return the favor by actively listening to what you say. 

17. Post photos together

Show your friend you love them by posting old photos of you together on your social media profiles with an endearing caption and tag them. 

18. Write a letter

Consider writing your friend a full letter about how much your friendship has meant to you and why you’re happy to continue being friends. If their love language is words of affirmation, it may mean a lot to them. 

19. Go back to where you met

You might remember the place and time you met your best friend. If it’s a public place or somewhere you can visit, consider going back and discussing your memories with them. 

20. Create a friendship time capsule

A friendship time capsule could be a way to memorialize your friendship forever. Add a few items that signify your friendship and care for each other, as well as letters for you to read in the future. Bury the capsule or leave it somewhere hidden for two to ten years and open it in the future to see how your friendship has grown. 

21. Plan their favorite activity

Consider planning your friend’s favorite activity and going on a platonic “friend date’ to experience it. If there’s a location they’ve always wanted to visit, it may be a chance to bring them there. 

22. Have a special night in

Plan a night in with your friend to watch movies, eat snacks, and chat. If your friend’s love language is quality time, they might appreciate that you want to spend uninterrupted time with them.  

23. Take a friendship photoshoot together 

Although photoshoots might often be thought of only for families or couples, you can also try a photoshoot with friends. Take professional photos to represent your friendship. You could both have them framed or put in a locket to remember the fun you had. 

Counseling to work on friendship challenges

If you find yourself busy, experience social anxiety, or feel most comfortable on the internet, you might try online counseling. With online counseling, you can meet with your therapist over the phone, via video, or through live chat sessions. If you don’t feel comfortable talking on the phone or over video chat, the live chat will have the same amount of time as the other options, and you can talk back and forth with a licensed therapist through a form that feels most familiar to you. 

Studies show that online counseling has been as effective or more effective than in-person traditional therapy in treating symptoms of loneliness, isolation, and depression. Online platforms like BetterHelp can offer you a vast database of online therapists specializing in various topics, such as friendship, love, anxiety, and other areas of mental health.