This is simply like what someone says or does, not liking them. Positive sentiments or the phrase "I love you" are not required to love. It can even get in the way at times. True love is selfless: it doesn't demand anything in return since it doesn't require anything. It goes beyond words and shows through actions. The phrase "I love you" has different meanings for each person. For some, it is just an expression of love, but there are other people who think that saying this out loud makes them actually feel something more than just thinking it. There are also people who say they love another person but don't really mean it; they use the word as a tool to get what they want. This is why it is important to know the meaning of "I love you" before responding. If you don't, then you might come off as being insensitive if you say it without knowing what it means to the person you're speaking with. The most common definition of the phrase is that said by someone who cares for or loves someone else. It may be used as a reply to "Thank you", "You're welcome", or "I'm sorry". As long as the person hearing it knows how to take it, it is safe to say. However, there are other ways of expressing love besides using your mouth. For example, you could give someone a gift that you thought of them, write them a note, etc.