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Step 1
Start with the fingerspelling of the letter "I." In the American Manuel Alphabet "I" is made by holding the smallest finger, also referred to as the pinky finger, up while the thumb and three other fingers are down.
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Step 2
Make the manuel letter "I" become the "I" as an indicator to yourself. Simply place the "I" hand at your chest with the thumb side closest to your body.
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Step 3
Sign the word "Love." Make the "S" with both hands. The "S" is made by closing all the fingers with the thumb closed over the top of them. Cross the "S" hands at the wrist and pressed them to the heart as in a motion that you are pressing your love into your heart. This can also be done with open hands.
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Step 4
Finish by signing "you". This one is obvious. Simply point to the person you love with your index finger. For more than one person, move the pointer finger from left to right. That's it. You've signed "I love you."
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Step 5
Sign "I love you" in one motion. As with every language, abbreviations are formed. American Sign Language is no different. An abbreviated sign for "I love you" is a one-handed combination of "I", "L", and "Y." With the palm forward, simply extend your thumb, index finger and little finger, leaving the two fingers in the middle down. Direct that hand toward the intended person you are signing to.
