by Sandra Piddock

Created on: March 01, 2010   Last Updated: March 03, 2010

'I Love You' are three little words invested with a whole lot of meaning, and if they come from your lips via the heart, you can never say 'I love you' too much. Of course, any other words you pair with those three little words can make a world of difference to exactly what you're saying and how it is received.

If your significant other has just dumped you, one thing guaranteed not to change her mind is to say, 'You can't leave me - I love you.' That makes the words sound like a life sentence, as binding as marriage but without the benefits. Instead, say something like, 'I love you, and I do hope we can work this out.' That leaves the door ajar and conveys your feelings in a short, to the point manner.

Another scenario - your partner is mad about something you just did. It's something you can't talk your way out of, so you say, 'But I love you so much.' This sounds as if anything goes as long as you trot out 'I love you' at regular intervals. This is my husband's favourite cop out when he's overstepped the mark, so I can tell you at first hand that those three little words are no excuse for bad behaviour.

Perhaps the love of your life is feeling insecure for some reason. She tries to talk to you - it's nearly always a 'she' who wants to talk - but you're watching the game and you don't want to get into soul searching until the final whistle. So you say, 'You know I love you, surely?' She may know it, but she likes to be told, and she likes you to fit actions to the words. It may be a big ask, but if you turned the game off to talk about her feelings, that would really show her you loved her.

Last but by no means least, there's the Othello situation. He - or she - is incredibly jealous. So much so that it's Inquisition Time whenever you return from an outing alone or take a phone call. You protest, only to be told, 'I'm only jealous because I love you.' Jealousy is not and never will be a sign of love. Insecurity, yes, lack of trust, ditto, but love? Absolutely not.

So go ahead and tell your soul mate 'I love you' as often as you like. But say it with feeling, and match your actions to the words. If you do this, your partner will never tire of hearing you say 'I love you.'

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