What Does A Forehead Kiss Mean?

Apart from being an expression of adoration, it says a little something extra.

Reviewed by Sarah Kenville, MA (Marriage and Family Therapy)
Written by Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Gracia Odile, MA  • 

A kiss is a beautiful expression of affection, and every type has a different meaning. While a kiss on the hand symbolizes respect, a kiss on the cheeks is often used as a greeting. Now, you may wonder what a kiss on the forehead means. Kissing on the forehead denotes affection, adoration, and care for the person. A forehead kiss has a different appeal, and it can mean different things. This article explain what a forehead kiss is, what it denotes, and what makes it unique. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s jump into it.

What Does It Mean When Someone Kisses You on the Forehead?

Man kissing delighted woman on the forehead
Image: IStock

A kiss on the forehead is all about affection, adoration, and fondness. It is a meaningful expression of emotions that is heart-touching but not sexual. The subtle meaning of a forehead kiss depends on who is placing the kiss and situation. So, if someone kisses you on the forehead, you can figure out what it means based on the context of the gesture.

Let us take a look at what it means to receive a kiss on the forehead:

  • It Indicates The Person Is Thinking About You

Kissing on the forehead can be a small gesture, but can have a deep meaning. It can indicate that the other person is thinking about you in a heartfelt manner. If you receive a forehead kiss from your partner, it can mean you are on his mind and he wants you to know about this fact.

  • It Hints Towards An Emotional Connection

A kiss on the forehead is something that you can receive from anyone, such as your grandparents, parents, friends, and cousins. It indicates emotional closeness and deep bonding. If you get a forehead kiss from your partner, it means you both share a meaningful connection and this is their way of expressing it.

  • It Means Appreciation

A relationship always works better when both partners appreciate each other. Sometimes, a partner shows appreciation with a light forehead kiss. So, the kiss can be a simple way to say that they appreciate you and value your presence in their life. Without saying a word, your partner can make you feel appreciated with this gesture.

  • It Expresses An Intimate Bond

More often than not, people kiss on the cheek to express platonic love. But if a person kisses you on the forehead, it expresses that the bond between you two has reached a certain level of intimacy. Even if you two are not romantically involved, it can mean that the other person wants the relationship to be more intimate. In other words, they want to take the relationship to the next level.

    • It Indicates Having Respect For You
Young woman kissing the forehead of an older woman
Image: IStock

A kiss on the forehead is an easy and effective way to convey respect. When your partner plants a forehead kiss with tenderness and warmth, it can mean they respect you as a person and a partner. At the same time, it can also indicate that they respect your dreams, aspirations, likes, dislikes, and more. It does not matter whether your partner gives you this kiss publicly or when no one else is around – just this gesture can make you feel warm inside.

  • It Is An Expression Of Love

One of the most beautiful meanings of a forehead kiss is that the person is in love with you. Such a kiss is a fantastic way to make you feel loved but in a subtle manner. You may or may not have realized how much your partner loves you, but that does not take away from the feeling of love. Rather, a forehead kiss adds a romantic touch to such matters of the heart.


protip_icon Quick Tip
In a broader sense, it is an expression of solidarity. In Arabic cultures, a forehead kiss is given to a grieving person to acknowledge their grievance and express condolences when words are not enough.

Check out the next section to find out what this type of kiss stands for.

​ What Does A Forehead Kiss Symbolize?

A kiss on the forehead can be symbolic of a lot of things. Here is what you can expect it to stand for when you get it from your partner:

  • Comfort
A woman kissing the forehead of her sleeping daughter
Image: IStock

When you have endured a long and tiring day and your partner decides to gentle kiss on your forehead, it indicates that they want to comfort you. It is their way of asking you to relax and unwind. They wish you to let go of your stress and worries. Also, they want you to know that you have their shoulder to lay your head on and talk about anything that might be bothering you.

  • Care

Men are often not very expressive when showing their caring side. But, a forehead kiss can mean that he cares for you and wants you to be happy. If you are unhappy about something or just in a mood, getting a forehead kiss from him can work wonders for you. After all, when you realize that he cannot bear to see you in a sad state, it will improve your mood. The kiss is his effort to make you smile once more and pep up your mood.

  • Protection

When a man feels protective about the person he is in love with, he tries to express it in several ways. One of the ways is to place a kiss on their forehead. So, if you see that your partner is placing his arms around you to give you a hug followed by a forehead cress or forehead touch that becomes a kiss, know that he wants to protect you from the worries of the world. He wants you to feel safe and secure in his arms and enjoy being there, keeping worries at bay.

  • Friendship
Man standing behind his friend and kissing her temple
Image: IStock

A forehead kiss can be symbolic of a deep friendship. Your friend may not have any romantic feelings for you, but they may care for you deeply. The kiss may serve to express their sentiments subtly. They may not be able to express the depth of their emotions for you in words and, thus, may be taking the route of a forehead kiss to drive home the message. Either way, what remains true is that a forehead kiss can mean a deep bond of friendship.

  • Adoration

There may be several things that make your partner like and adore you. For instance, they may be smitten by your beauty or nature, the way you talk and walk, the way you make them laugh, or even your personality traits. Regardless of the reason behind their affection, a forehead kiss can be a tender way to make you understand how much they adore you.

  • Silent Communication

Sometimes, words fail to express your feelings for a special person. Interestingly, a forehead kiss can simplify this task. Such a kiss can communicate so much even when a single word is not uttered! If your partner reaches out for you and places a kiss on your forehead, they may be trying to communicate their feelings silently. The kiss can be a declaration of love without any words.

protip_icon Trivia
Kissing the forehead of someone you are not close to is unacceptable. The generations today are more aware of their physical selves. Hence, a forehead kiss is too intimate to be offered without consent.

Wondering if a forehead kiss is only romantic? Find out in the next section!

Is A Forehead Kiss Romantic?

A little girl hugging and kissing her mother on the forehead
Image: IStock

Kissing on the forehead is a gesture that can hold varied meanings for different people. For some people, it can be an expression of platonic love. But for others, a forehead kiss can be the ultimate act of intimacy involving the person they love. This means a kiss on the forehead can be highly romantic.

A forehead kiss can give wings to emotions and help your partner share a deep bond with you. Many couples believe a lip kiss is the most romantic kiss to share in a relationship. But a forehead kiss can be much more than that. It can warm up your heart and indicate that your relationship is beyond the clutches of sensuality. It is a bonding that does not require the validation of sexual gestures to make you feel special.

Forehead Kiss Benefits

Beyond being a tender display of affection, forehead kisses offer surprising benefits. Physiologically, the forehead has a high concentration of nerve endings, making it an intimate and sensitive area to connect with a loved one. The act triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of comfort and bonding.

In addition to the physiological effects, forehead kisses can also serve as a comforting gesture in times of stress or anxiety. The gentle touch on the forehead can create a sense of security and reassurance, fostering emotional well-being. This simple yet powerful act transcends words, conveying a deep connection that goes beyond the surface, leaving both partners with a lasting sense of warmth and affection.

Infographic: Top 5 Adorable Reasons To Get A Forehead Kiss

A subtle kiss on the forehead can be more meaningful than a kiss on the lips or cheeks. A forehead kiss from a loved one can make us feel awe-struck if we know the depth behind it. And it can make you feel warm and fuzzy inside!

Let’s check out the infographic below to briefly know the top 5 adorable reasons to get a forehead kiss now and then. It will surely make your day!

top 5 adorable reasons to get a forehead kiss (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

A forehead kiss can express different emotions depending on who you receive it from. The common thing between these varying emotions is that they are all expressions of love. Someone close to you kisses your forehead to let you know that you are special to them. Although not necessarily romantic, forehead kisses symbolize special and deeper levels of affection.

Forehead kisses in romantic relationships symbolize strong emotional bonds and offer comfort. By kissing you on your forehead, your partner lets you know that you matter to them and that they cherish you. So when you receive a forehead kiss from your partner, bask in it wholeheartedly and give them one back to show them that you value them too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do forehead kisses mean to a girl?

A forehead kiss can mean a lot of things to a girl. It can mean protection, adoration, affection, caring, friendship, and fondness for a girl.

Is it okay to kiss a girl on the forehead?

It is okay to kiss a girl on the forehead if she is okay with it.

What are some different types of forehead kisses?

The types of forehead kisses vary by meaning, the relationship between the people involved, and the intention. It can be a gentle peck, a romantic kiss, a comforting kiss during difficult times, a kiss of appreciation, or a blessing.

How does the meaning of a forehead kiss differ from a kiss on the lips?

A lip kiss is generally romantic in nature, which is not the case with a forehead kiss. A forehead kiss has no sexual strings attached and holds a more profound emotion than a sexual lip kiss.

Key Takeaways

  • A kiss is a beautiful way to express your affection for someone.
  • A forehead kiss is symbolic of love, caring, and fondness. It indicates that the person has been thinking about you.
  • It can also offer you comfort and be symbolic of a deep friendship.
  • Forehead kisses can be highly romantic and show you share a deep bond with your partner.
forehead kiss

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Have you ever wondered what a forehead kiss really means? Take a look at this video and explore the significance behind this sweet and tender act.
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