Hi there!

I have a question about this phrase

Send /give my love to someone

When it comes to saying goodbye, or finishing an email or message

It's used if we personally know their family,... right?
And we know them very well.
I'm aware it's not literally love

But

I'm just wondering is it possible if this phrase causes any misunderstanding?

For example, if I met my friend's husband once in a restaurant for dinner, the next time I want to say good bye to her, is it appropriate to say send my love to your husband, in an English speaking culture?

Or for men, is it ok to say send my love to your wife, (imagine, they have no kids, )?

I know there may not be any official guidelines for that:-), but I appreciate it if you would tell me how you use it in your every day life, and how would you feel if someone said that to you?

Question

Hi there!

I have a question about this phrase

Send /give my love to someone

When it comes to saying goodbye, or finishing an email or message

It's used if we personally know their family,... right?
And we know them very well.
I'm aware it's not literally love

But

I'm just wondering is it possible if this phrase causes any misunderstanding?

For example, if I met my friend's husband once in a restaurant for dinner, the next time I want to say good bye to her, is it appropriate to say send my love to your husband, in an English speaking culture?

Or for men, is it ok to say send my love to your wife, (imagine, they have no kids, )?

I know there may not be any official guidelines for that:-), but I appreciate it if you would tell me how you use it in your every day life, and how would you feel if someone said that to you?

Answer

In American English, this typically means you want the person you are speaking with to tell a third person you want to convey a kind sentiment to them. This is typically used when speaking to someone you know well, such as a family member or close friend. It would not necessarily be inappropriate to say in reference to a friend's spouse, but that is probably less common.

Answer

It may depend on the culture.  In the U.S. you'd probably only say it if the absent person was pretty close.  Example, you tell you mother to send your love to your father.          For the situation you describe with your friend's husband, we would usually say, "Tell (name) I said hi." or "Say hi to (name) for me."

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