Look, we’re well aware of the reputation that Londoners have for being a bit closed off. We’re not always the best at telling the people close to us how much they mean to us, or even just saying “I love you”. But that’s just because we demonstrate our affection in other ways. In classic Londoner form, we do things a bit differently. Sometimes you have to read between the lines
We asked the Secret London audience how they show their love for family and friends without saying “I love you”. And we got some lovely (and silly) answers.
1. “I’ve added you to my Soho House guest list”
2. “You’re alright”
3. “Fancy a cuppa?”
4. “Mind the gap” – do you know the heartwarming reason why ‘mind the gap’ sounds so different at Embankment station?
5. “That’ll do, pig. That’ll do.” – but only if they’re a real Babe.
6. “Have you eaten?”
7. “I’ll hold your hair”
8. “I bought you a meal deal”
9. “Don’t forget your brolly”
10. “I got you a flat white.”
11. “Move out the way, you’re walking too slow!” – because sometimes love has got to be tough love…
12. “Did you get home safe?”
13. “You fancy going out for a drink?”
14. “See it, say it, sorted!” – because some phrases really do worm their way into the local lexicon.
15. “Sorry” 100 times & “thank you” 200 times
16. “The next pint’s on me” – oh my, I’m positively swooning.
17. “At this station doors will open on right-hand side” – honestly, why is the Tube so obsessed with me?
18. “It’s shit weather today, isn’t it?” – because nothing say love like bonding over bad weather.
19. “Should we get another round?” – I’m beginning to detect a theme here…
20. “I’ve bought you a book” – and I’ve now fallen head over heels in love with you.
21. “Take my seat”
22. “Yeah, I’m free for a drink”
23. “Let the passengers off first, please” – my heart swells with pride at these words.
24. “Pub?”
25. “What’s for dinner?”
26. “You can’t park there…”
27. “I’m sorry, not sure if you realised but your backpack is open and I can see your laptop” – not all heroes wear capes.
28. “Excuse me…”
29. “Pickpockets!!!” – because a warning is always appreciated.
30. “I love you, innit”
31. “Stand on the right!” – a firm but gentle reminder.
32. Nothing. Don’t even make eye contact.
33. “You’re a bit of alright” – my frosty hearty is defrosting.
34. Glare – because if I have a crush on someone, the only way to tell them is to look at them occasionally and hope they notice…
35. “U ok bruv” – because you should be telling your bros you love them too.
36. “You’re not so bad” – we love an understatement.
37. “What’s happening son?” – almost exclusively said to people who are most definitely not your son.
38. “Let’s do shots!” – refer back to #7 on this list.
39. “Watch your phone!” – because some people do wave them around erratically.
40. “You showed me the way out of Bank, I’m yours forever!” – well, now we’re just getting unrealistic. No one knows the way out of Bank!
So, there you have it – a list of ways to recognise when a Londoner is actually saying ‘I love you’ – even if it sounds like something else. But even with all these alternatives, remember to tell your loved ones what they mean to you. It’s just three little words after all. “I love you”.