I’ve seen a lot of my friends use the phrase “much love” a lot. It’s a simple phrase and I’m sure you get it or use it a lot too.
Now while one “much love” meaning can be used casually among friends to mean “lots of love”, it can also have several other meanings too.
As we go, we will understand all the possible meanings this simple phrase might have, what they mean, and thereafter, what we can say when we are told. Ready?
4 “Much Love” Meanings?
The phrase much love has so many meanings depending on who is saying it and to whom they are saying it. Think of it as,’ I love you’, but in more casual phrasing.
Just the way people say ‘I love you’ to different meanings on different levels, that’s why they say much love. So here are five meanings much love can have:
To Family And Close Friends
Much love to family and friends is the same as saying I love you because you do love them. They are supportive of everything you do and pull through for you as no one else can.
Some people feel embarrassed using the ‘L’ word so using much love as a substitute, conveys how they feel without sounding too tense. They also don’t want to be teased. You can bid a family farewell with this. You can use this with friends.
If grandma or aunty gives you a present, you can sign your thank you letter with much love. It’s nice. You can also sign other thank you letters or notes with much love.
It doesn’t mean you are being romantic. It says you care and appreciate them or what they gave you. Also, in a church setting where the type of love is agape, saying much love is like a brethren’s greeting. Generally, you can use it as a farewell greeting. An endearing one for everyone.
To Someone You Admire
It can be said to someone you really love and respect. For example, two old friends or a pair of close colleagues.
When one of them says much love to the other, he doesn’t mean that they see the other person as a family or as a romantic partner. It means that they care about you and respect you. They will advise and help you as much as they can.
They can even make some good sacrifices for you because they look up to you. They can’t say I love you. It’s too serious. “I respect you” sounds too formal so much love fits well to express the admiration and awe they feel.
To A Lover Or Partner
Much love also means that someone is trying to express their affection to you. For example a husband and wife. To them, it’s a casual thing to say but with a lot of meaning, and a nice substitute for “I love you” or “love you”.
It can also be said by people in a relationship or by a crush. If you are in a relationship, know that they are probably saying much love because they do care about you but they don’t feel ready for the commitment that comes with I love you.
If it is a crush then they are trying to test the waters. They want to tell you how they feel and gauge how you feel by your reply. That way they don’t come off as thirsty or nonchalant and uninterested.
To Acquaintances
Friends are not acquaintances. There is a difference. You can just chip in a “much love” to someone after you spent the afternoon together.
You mustn’t really care for them but at the same time, you don’t despise them so it’s more of a casual remark.
You can also use it to say “I appreciate the time I have spent, you made a part of my day.” Others like to add names like chum and buddy.
If you are a guy and a lady tells you this, you know you are in the friend zone and she is just being nice.
What Do You Say When Someone Says Much Love?
Now that you know the different meanings of love, what do you say when you hear it? Just like the meanings, you have to give replies based on who is saying it to you and why. Here are some replies:
Much More Love
It is like when someone says “I love you” and the other person says “I love you more”. You are trying to say that you love the other person just as much, or even more.
It is simple and it can be used by anyone no matter the relationship they share or the type of conversation they are having. There isn’t much thought to it
Love you more
It is a much bolder reply but if you feel that way, then just say it. If you are a guy, saying this to your guy friends will make them laugh at you but among family and girlfriends, they will be considered sweet.
Same here
If you are just casual friends then you can say “same here”. It is a way of saying it without actually saying it back.
If you have a crush that you don’t like, telling them this will tell them that you are not interested. You can also use likewise but it sounds odd and is much more formal than “same here”.
Much love to you
Honestly, it sounds silly but if you are trying to flirt with someone or you are being playful then this is a wonderful reply. While you care about them you don’t have to say it in a very serious and heavy voice. Keep the mood light and your love flowing.
I can always count on you
It may not sound like an ideal reply but you are trying to appreciate someone. Being able to count on them is saying that they are dependable, reliable, and caring people. It’s great for those who are older than you and those you admire.
You too
This is another simple reply. It’s not the best on the list but at least it is a reply and it is nice for those who have neutral feelings for.
Also if you don’t want to be rude or just leave without replying you can use this. It’s on the same level as, “same to you” except it’s less said.
Thanks for your support
If you don’t want to say much love right back or anything that seems sentimental or emotional, you can use this reply to say “thank you for your care. I don’t take it for granted”.
It is great if someone older than you or in a higher position tells you this. If they say it is fine but saying it right back can be corny.
See you soon
You can say this to acquaintances and people you will like to see again. You are saying you and a wonderful time with them and you will like another time with them. You can say it like this
I must be on my way.
“Alright. Much love”.
Yeah. See you soon.
Thanks for your time
While this will seem formal, it’s okay if you don’t want to be touchy. You can add something like “this was nice” or “I had fun”. Fibyou are sending a text, you can say “you make everything fun. Thank you for your time”
Let’s meet again soon
When you are getting to know someone and they say much love, you don’t have to say back. They are still kind of strangers to you.
When you say let’s meet again soon, they understand that you are not ready for any of those endearing greetings but you did have fun and would love that again.
Love you too
I am a very bold person so I tell everyone I love them as long as I know they won’t react in a way I will hate. If someone tells me “much love”, I can easily reply with “love you too” because that’s just what they are trying to tell me: that they love me.
Aww thank you
This is a very common reply to compliments and praise. It works well here if you want to show that you appreciated it. Many people don’t expect it so this reply says “I appreciate that”, but doesn’t say “much love,” back.
What Can You Say Instead Of Much Love
Knowing what this popular phrase means, you can choose other unique ways of saying it instead of going for the same old overused phrase. Here are a few in different categories:
To Loved Ones And People Close To You
Either friends, family members, or partners, these phrases will make them smile and feel loved:
Love you
If you have the guts to say this to someone, then you should. This is great if you are sure that who you are saying it to understands it and then even says it back. You can say this to your family and friends.
Lots of love
This is more casual and you can use this to sign your emails and letters. You can also yell this out to friends and loved ones. It’s cute although you will find it used more by girls. They usually swap the O’s with hearts.
All the X’s and all the O’s
It’s not about tic tac toe. Here x’s and O’s stand her hugs and kisses. That says you can give them all the hugs and kisses showing that you care for them. Ending messages or texts to your partner with this is very romantic.
Hugs and kisses
You can just write or say this to people you are close to although it is common among family members and children. It can help you avoid the complications of X’s and O’s, and it’s a cute way to say care for someone.
Also, when you can, do give them hugs and kisses. Love is more often than not, displayed rather than said.
All of my love to you
Why give much when you can give all? It says you would always love them no matter what and you can say this to your relatives and partners. You will be there for them like they have been there for you.
All my love, always and forever
I imagine this in a poem. It’s beautiful. You can sign all your Christmas cards and gifts with this or just say this to people you love while giving them a warm hug. It’s a nice way to “much love”. Beats the casualty while remaining truthful and beautiful.
I cherish you
A little too deep so if you are not in a committed relationship might just not use this one. You can tell your friends you cherish them and they will value more than the overused ‘love’. You can also start it with ‘remember’.
Here’s an example: Remember Jenny, I cherish you.
Loads of love
This is similar to lots of love. Many people have tried to find a difference between the two and well there isn’t much. Loads of love is just an inventive and colloquial way of saying “lots of love”.
It’s supposed to mean they love you a lot more. It is just saying “heaps of love” or “tons of love”.
You have a place here
When you say this, touch your heart (just in case, it’s the left side of your chest). You can also avoid all the drama and just say ” you have a place in my heart”. Anyone will be touched to know that you care for them and that they are special to you.
For Those You Admire
Bosses, senior colleagues, role models, or someone you aspire to be like. These responses should tell them how you feel without making it weird:
Thank you for being you. I appreciate you
For someone you admire, it might be hard to say “much love” to them without meaning something else. However, saying “I appreciate you,” says that you love what they do, and who they are and you are grateful for it. It’s a wonderful blend of appreciation, love, and respect.
For someone who you admire, you can also use any of the following replies. It is a cross between care and respect. It may sound a bit formal but it’s caring. His way, you won’t be misinterpreted and your love will still be heard or read, and felt.
I’m here if you need me
You can always depend on me
If you are signing off an informal letter to dear ones or maybe a thank you email or note you can use any of the following. It shows you care for them and you want the best for them, just like anyone who loves them very much:
Speak to you soon, or see you soon
Kind regards
Best wishes
Most affectionately
Warm wishes
Adoringly yours
Yours truly
For acquaintances
After a nice day with a friend or coworker, you want to appreciate them for the time you spent, and they are making it memorable. There are a few phrases you can use to replace the usual “much love”. You can say:
I had a great time. Take care.
Cheerio. You made my day.
I had fun. You are the best.
There’s never a dull moment with you. Thanks for today.
Longer Phrases
Sometimes you can make a joke before you leave or end a message or text, and say very clearly that you care. There isn’t anyone who wouldn’t like that. You can go with:
Know that I always care
I am heard anytime you need me
Be sure you are always smiling
You are special to me
I am only a text away
You can share anything with me
I love you to the moon and back
Friends Forever
You are a snowflake
Always yours
With all my heart
Depending on the time of the conversation add a greeting like good night, good morning, have a nice day, or sleep well. If it’s a holiday then it’s even better.
Use merry Christmas (or happy Christmas if you are a boring person), Happy Diwali, Happy Halloween, and whatever holiday you love to celebrate. Don’t just drop the line, it won’t be as great.
Final Thoughts
With all that you have learned, you can use and replace “much love” without fear. Be sure to use the replies right, and if anything goes wrong get to explaining to you don’t pass the wrong message and deal with drama later.
Thanks for reading, make sure to enjoy the rest of your day. Much love.