Some people show love through food rather than words. Do you think a cooked meal can say things that words can't?

A natural way to answer

I think a home-cooked meal can absolutely communicate love, sometimes more sincerely than words. It represents time, effort and attention given freely to someone, which is a very tangible form of care. For people who struggle to express affection verbally, cooking offers a quiet but unmistakable way of saying 'I'm thinking of you'.

Key phrases to use

• speak volumes — to express a great deal without using words“A meal made with care speaks volumes.”
• pour their heart into — to put deep feeling and effort into something“She pours her heart into every meal.”
• laboured over — worked on slowly and with great care and effort“He laboured over that sauce for hours.”
• bring itself to say — to manage to say something difficult or emotional“He couldn't bring himself to say how much he cared.”