What Does “I Love You to the Moon and Back” Mean?

PDF download Download Article
Learn how to interpret and respond to this sweet phrase
PDF download Download Article

Whether it be on social media or in conversation with loved ones, you’ve probably heard the phrase “I love you to the moon and back” before. This expression gained popularity from the 1994 children’s book Guess How Much I Love You , and it’s a common way to express deep, unconditional love. If you want to know more about this beautiful, affectionate phrase, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll go over the expression’s definition and origins, how to use it, and how to respond if someone says it to you, so keep reading!

Things You Should Know

  • “I love you to the moon and back” is a phrase that expresses vast, unconditional love. It’s used to show affection for a romantic partner, friend, or family member.
  • The original use of the phrase is unknown, but it likely owes its popularity to the 1994 children’s book, Guess How Much I Love You , by Sam McBratney.
  • If someone says “I love you to the moon and back,” reciprocate this affection by telling the person you love them, too.
Section 1 of 4:

“I Love You to the Moon and Back” Meaning & Origins

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s a way to convey the vastness of your affection for someone, whether they be a family member, friend, or romantic partner. If someone says this phrase to you, they’re likely trying to say that their love knows no bounds and that they would go to great lengths to prove this to you. [1]
  2. Though it’s not known who first used the expression, many people believe that it was popularized by the 1994 picture book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. The book explores the unconditional love between a young hare and his father. [2]
    • At the end of the book, the young hare says “I love you right up to the moon,” to which the father hare replies, “I love you right up to the moon—and back.” [3]
    3. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How to Use “I Love You to the Moon and Back”

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you want to show your partner you love them , saying “I love you to the moon and back” could be the perfect move! Shoot them a romantic text with this phrase, post a cute photo of the two of you on social media and use it as a caption, or simply say it to them the next time you talk. Here are some examples:
    • If you want to send it in a text : “Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you, and how lucky I feel to be yours. Love you to the moon and back 💘”
    • If you want to use it as a caption on social media : “An appreciation post for my favorite person. I love you to the moon and back 🌙”
    • If you want to say it to them in person : “In case I don’t say it enough, I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. I love you to the moon and back.”
  2. “I love you to the moon and back” isn’t limited to romantic relationships—it’s also a great way to express platonic affection ! Here are some examples of how to use it:
    • If you’re posting on social media for a friend’s birthday, you could caption the post: “Happy birthday to the best friend I could ever ask for. Love you to the moon and back! 💫"
    • You could also send this phrase to them in a text: “Just wanted to say thank you for being there for me today—you really cheered me up! I love you to the moon and back 🩷”
  3. “I love you to the moon and back” can also be used to tell family members how deeply you care for them. This is no surprise, considering that the phrase gained popularity in a book about the unconditional love between a parent and a child! [4] If you’re feeling extra love toward your parent or sibling, reach out and tell them.
    • For a parent : “I’ve been thinking about how much you’ve done to take care of me, and I wanted to say I’m so grateful for you. I love you to the moon and back.”
    • For a sibling : “Just reaching out to say I miss you, and I feel so lucky that you’re my sister! I love you to the moon and back.”
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

How to Respond to “I Love You to the Moon and Back”

PDF download Download Article
  1. Assuming you love this person as much as they love you, take a moment to tell them you reciprocate their feelings. Verbalizing your love and gratitude for each other can spark positive feelings, increase satisfaction in the relationship, and bring you closer together! Here are some examples of what to say:
    • “Thank you for your kind words—they made my day! I love you, too.”
    • “I love you to the moon and back twice! Thank you for being you.”
Section 4 of 4:

Benefits of Expressing Love to Others

PDF download Download Article
  1. Saying “I love you” to the people around certainly brings you closer to them, but it can also have positive impacts on your physical health. In fact, research shows that communicating your positive feelings for loved ones can lower your stress hormones and help you control your cholesterol and blood pressure. [5]
    • So, whether you say “I love you to the moon and back,” or some other affectionate phrase, let the people in your life know how much you care!
    • Being able to verbally express love also signals to potential romantic partners that you have a strong emotional bond and are open to commitment—which can be a great thing!
    • Reader Poll: We asked 721 wikiHow readers which signs in a relationship would make them feel ready to commit, and 55% of them agreed on a strong emotional connection . [Take Poll]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      200+ Best Expressions to Say “I Love You More than…”
      What Does “Pookie” Mean? Plus, How to Use It
      What's a Twunk? Definition, When to Use & More
      Funny Ways to Say Hello: 45 Cool and Creative Options
      What Does W/ Mean over Text or Online?
      Signs That Someone Has "Golden Retriever Energy"
      What Does “Awww” Mean? Definition, Responses & More
      What Does WYD Mean? Snapchat, Texting, and More
      What Does “Locked In” Mean on TikTok & Social Media? A Complete Guide
      Are Evening and Night the Same Thing? Not Exactly.
      What Does “Blud” Mean on TikTok?
      The Meaning & Origins of “Thunder Thighs”
      What Does "Have a Great Weekend" Mean? Replying In Person & Over Text
      What Does the Slang Term "Cutie Patootie" Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://englishstudyonline.org/i-love-you-to-the-moon-and-back-meaning/
      2. ↑ https://www.guesshowmuchiloveyou.com/the-story
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/zGuIUytF_6U?t=216
      4. ↑ https://www.guesshowmuchiloveyou.com/the-story
      5. ↑ https://news.asu.edu/content/study-expressing-love-can-improve-your-health

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 16,056 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement