3 Ways Latinos Say "I Love You" Without Ever Saying It

In many cultures, love is expressed through grand gestures or those three little words. But in Latino households, love is often less about what is said and more about what you do.

If a Latino loves you, they might not always lead with "Te amo." Instead, they’ll show it through these three distinct love languages:

1. “Avísame cuando llegues” (Let me know when you arrive)

In some cultures, this might feel like an overbearing check-in. For Latinos, it is a universal requirement. Whether you are driving five minutes down the road or flying across the ocean, your partner, mom, or abuela needs to know you survived the journey.

When we say, "Let me know when you get there," we aren’t trying to track your GPS; we are saying, "I care about your well-being" 

2. “Te quiero comer a besos” (I want to eat you with kisses)

Personal space? Never heard of it. We express affection through "cute aggression." If a Latino loves you, they might tell you they want to "eat you," give you a tiny "bite" (un "mordisquito"), or squeeze you until you literally can’t breathe. It’s a passionate, tactile way of saying you’re so wonderful we need to absorb your presence physically.

3. Giving You the Last Bite

Food is the literal heart of our culture. Whether it’s the perfectly crunchy corner of an empanada, the silky last spoonful of flan, or the "gold" at the bottom of the pot (el concón or la pegada), that last bite is the prize.

Sharing food is one thing, but handing over the absolute best part of the meal is a sacred act. If a Latino offers you their last bite, it means they are completely devoted to you.

Which of these is your favourite way to show affection?

At the end of the day, Latino love is loud, tactile, and deeply protective. It’s found in the steam of a shared meal and the relentless ping of a check-in text. A simple "I love you" is beautiful; these cultural quirks remind us that devotion is best expressed through the small, everyday actions. It’s a love that doesn't just sit quietly; it bites, it feeds, and it always keeps a light on for you.