Sweet nothings are words of affection that can make your partner blush, create intimacy, and feel appreciated. The whisper of a sweet nothing can have a powerful, stimulating effect and “can be a more discreet version of PDA and a sultry secret for just you two,” says Tammy Shaklee, relationship expert and certified matchmaker/founder of H4M Matchmaking. Sweet nothings can be vital for a happy relationship, and with a few simple words, you can flatter your significant other and say I love you in a different way that’s exciting and fun.
“Incorporating affirmations can significantly enhance your relationship by making your partner feel cherished and valued,” Joni Ogle, LCSW, CSAT, a relationship expert and CEO of Transcend Recovery Community, explains. “Short, sincere whispers like these can create lasting positive effects on your bond, fostering a deeper emotional connection and mutual appreciation.”
Whether you’re trying to show gratitude, support your partner, spice things up, or be playful, here are 20 cute things to whisper in their ear.
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1 | Meet Me Alone
ShutterstockGrab your partner’s attention by whispering, “Meet Me Alone in 30 minutes. You want to pick the place, or shall I?"
Saying this “can reignite that spark in your relationship,” Shaklee explains. “Our days are often filled with noise and distractions that can dull our connection. By leaning in and offering a playful, unexpected invitation, you bring an element of surprise to your routine.”
2 | You Are My Favorite Person
iStock / pixdeluxeYour partner will never get tired of hearing you're their favorite person.
Allie Theiss, MSc CSC ABS, Holistic Certified Sexologist, says, "Whispering those words to a partner conveys affection and admiration, making them feel valued and special. It's a sweet and simple way to express love and appreciation."
3 | I’ve Got Your Back
Delmaine Donson / iStockLife is full of beauty and joy but also a lot of hard times. Going through the challenges is easier when you have a partner helping you. Saying things like "I've got your back" offers great support during tough times,” Dr. Noah Kass, DSW, LCSW, explains. “Encouraging words like "I believe in you" and "You're stronger than you think" help your partner face challenges with confidence. This type of phrase and support strengthens bonds.”
4 | You're so Sexy
Ivanko80/ShutterstockEveryone wants to feel like their partner is attracted to them, especially if they’ve been together for a while. Susan Trotter, Ph.D., a relationship Coach, says, “It is important to keep looking for ways to enhance desire in a relationship, and letting your partner know that they are sexy and desired makes them feel wanted and more confident.”
Molly Davis, Kelleher International Chief Client Officer, urges, “Don't save this comment for the bedroom or date night; whispering, "You're so sexy," when your partner least expects it, is a cute way to spice up their average day.”
She adds, “Most of us admire our partners while they're doing simple everyday things, like fixing something around the house or cooking dinner—go ahead and let them know you find them sexy no matter the circumstance.”
5 | I Can't Wait to Spend Time With You Tonight
ShutterstockIt’s easy to get caught up in a long work week, kids, and whatever else life hands you, and making time for your significant other can get lost in the shuffle.
Telling your partner, “I can’t wait to spend time with you tonight,” signals you’re making them a priority and carving out quality time.
Ogle also says it “builds excitement and keeps the romance alive. It shows that you look forward to being with them, enhancing feelings of being desired and valued.”
6 | I Love What You’re Wearing Today, but I Love What’s Underneath Even More
iStockFlirt with your partner and be frisky when they’re not expecting by whispering, "I love what you’re wearing today, but I love what’s underneath even more."
Shaklee explains, “Compliments are powerful, especially when they go beyond the surface. This playful remark shifts the focus from the outer appearance to the person themselves, reminding your partner that you appreciate and desire them for who they are, not just what they wear.”
7 | You Make Me So Happy
CarlosBarquero / ShutterstockCelebrating the good times and focusing on the strengths of a relationship reinforces the connection and tells your significant other they’re valued.
“The phrase ‘You make me so happy’ reassures your partner of their positive impact on your life, fostering a sense of value and appreciation, which is essential for a healthy relationship,” says Ogle.
8 | I Want You
Kaspars Grinvalds/ShutterstockBe straightforward and to the point when letting your partner know exactly what you’re in the mood for. Whispering I want you “lets your partner know you desire them and creates sexual tension and energy,” Stephanie Flood, Licensed Intimacy Therapist, says.
9 | Lucky Me
ShutterstockShowing your partner you care in different ways can make a big impact, and vocalizing your affection makes them feel wanted and loved. Not everyone is lucky in love, so expressing gratitude for the relationship can boost confidence in your significant other.
“This is a cute way to tell your loved one you are grateful they chose you,” says Davis. “Your life partner is a gift to you every day; letting them know how much you appreciate their devotion with a cute comment like ‘Lucky me’ is a great way to remind them.”
10 | You Look Beautiful (Handsome) Today. Can I See More of it Later?
adriaticfoto/ShutterstockShare how much you are attracted to your partner by whispering, "You look beautiful (handsome) today. Can I see more of it later?"
“This is a flirty and fun way to compliment your partner while also subtly expressing your desire,” says Shaklee. “It’s a light-hearted invitation that acknowledges their attractiveness and hints at the intimacy you’d like to share later.”
11 | I Find You Irresistible
VioletaStoimenova / iStockInstead of saying I love you over and over, which is nice to hear but can get repetitive, find other ways to express your feelings.
“Introducing phrases like ‘I enjoy you’ or ‘I find you irresistible’ can be even more meaningful to your partner,” says Dr. Kass. “These phrases emphasize what you really like about your partner. What do they value? What's their opinion? It's part of recognizing their unique attractiveness, values, opinions, attitudes, and allure.”
12 | I Love the Way You Make Me Laugh
Shutterstock / Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIBBuild your partner up and tell them how much you enjoy they’re humor by saying, I love the way you make me laugh.
“By highlighting specific qualities like humor, you show that you cherish their unique traits, which boosts their confidence and reminds them of the joy they bring into your life,” Ogle explains.
Trotter says, “Acknowledging what your partner does that makes you grateful and love them even more is important. It provides information for them and lets them know what you like.”
13 | Tell Me Something I Can Do for You Later. Anything.
Hananeko_Studio / ShutterstockGiving your partner space to be open and letting them reveal their desires helps build trust, communication, and enjoyable moments.
Shaklee explains, “Communication is key in any healthy sexual relationship. The phrase "Tell me something I can do for you later. Anything” opens up a dialogue, giving your partner the opportunity to express their desires, whether it’s something as simple as a foot rub or something more intimate. It shows you’re eager to please and prioritize their happiness.”
14 | I Love You
Shutterstock / Sun ShockSimply saying I love you can make your partner melt and feel cherished.
“It may seem obvious, but a gently whispered "I love you" can be your partner's perfect pick me up to get them through their day,” says Davis.
Trotter adds, “Conveying love and affection makes people feel loved and cared for and that makes people more likely to reciprocate it. Together, that will strengthen the love between the partners.”
15 | What Do You Think About That?
adriaticfoto/ShutterstockOpen-ended questions help create and stir up engaging dialogue, which allows you to get to know your partner better.
According to Dr. Kass, “Asking ‘What do you think about that?’ or ‘What's your opinion on that?’ shows you care about their perspective. This is especially helpful during tense situations. Let's say you are out with a couple, and one of the other couples says something bizarre that you know your partner will have a specific opinion on.”
He adds, “Valuing your partner’s opinion boosts their self-esteem and promotes equality, leading to deeper mutual respect and understanding. Promoting an equal relationship where both people feel like what they have to say matters is crucial. When you feel like what the other person says matters, and when you feel like what you say matters, there is inevitably going to be more mutual understanding and respect.”
16 | You are the most wonderful person in this room. I’m glad you’re mine
Goksi / ShutterstockKeeping intimacy alive can often go on the back burner when you’ve been together for a long period of time, but whispering, "You are the most wonderful person in this room. I’m glad you’re mine," can make your partner feel special and keep the spark ignited.
“Long-term relationships can sometimes lead to complacency, but reminding your partner of their value and your pride in them can reignite passion,” Shaklee says. “This heartfelt statement is a powerful way to express your deep appreciation and strengthen your bond.”
17 | You Make Me Feel So Safe
Just Life / ShutterstockFeeling emotionally safe in a relationship means you have the freedom to be authentic and show who you really are, which is the cornerstone of a healthy partnership.
Saying ‘You make me feel safe’ to your significant other is validating because safety is everything in a relationship; humans thrive on security,” says Flood.
18 | Personal Nicknames
ShutterstockIf you have a nickname that only your partner calls you, Dr. Kass says it can reinforce intimacy and a caring family bond.
“I know this couple who call each other ‘Snoopers’ and ‘Snoopi,” he explains. “ I really appreciate that these names sound so familiar. It's like they are in their own secret club. What's funny is that they use these names almost interchangeably; they are each ‘Snoopi,’ and they are each ‘Snoopers.’
He adds, “This reinforces that they are a family unit, and it is going to significantly strengthen their family bond over time. Think of it as a testament to the bond shared by partners. Nicknames are playful and often whispered during special moments. They are reminders of a couple’s familiarity and intimacy. Just remember to be discreet when using these private names in public settings!”
19 | Thank You, Baby
ShutterstockShow your appreciation by just saying thank you.
Whispering, ‘Thank you, baby,’ lets your partner know that what they are doing makes you feel taken care of,” Flood states.
20 | You Make Me Feel So Good
PeopleImages / iStockLet your partner know what they’re doing right and how they make you feel.
Flood says, “Whispering to your partner, "You make me feel so good," lets your partner know they create pleasure or joy for you.