Suppose you fall in love. You've been there before, right? Many of us have. Admitting your feelings can be one of the hardest things you do. Being vulnerable is not easy.
And you can only hope that the object of your affection responds to your words in kind. Suppose they don't? That's when things get awkward, even painful.
People shared their thoughts with us after Redditor Scrotonimus asked the online community,
"What is the worst way to respond to "I love you"?"
"If only..."
""If I could only get your sister to say that."
[deleted]
"I love you."
"I love you...r sister."
Can you imagine?
"Just not saying..."
"Just not saying anything and laughing, like a real good hearty laugh would be pretty bad."
__lony__
Oh, that would really hurt. A lot.
"You're just not..."
"You're just not terribly important to me."
Imherewhatnow
Best response: "I have to return some videotapes."
"Then you'll really love..."
"Then you'll really love this once in a lifetime business opportunity!"
[deleted]
Please don't. Just because we're in love doesn't mean I want to join you on a timeshare.
"And..."
"And I love you, random citizen!"
llama_brigade
This is the best response. I laughed way too hard at this.
"You don't know..."
"You don't know what love is, Forrest."
Action_Hank__
I'm not a smart man, but I know what love is.
See what I did there?
"I love..."
"I love me too."
mmmkay01
Admit it – many of you have said this one.
"I.... tolerate you."
kateykmck
Ouch. Let's hope none of you ever hear this.
"By releasing large amounts of ink in order to create a dark, diffuse cloud (much like a smoke screen) which can obscure the intruder's view, allowing you to make a rapid retreat by jetting away."
Goiterbuster
Honestly, I think I'd respect the hustle if this actually happened.
"There's no mistaking..."
""Thank you" is the most heartbreaking and the most effective. There's no mistaking that the other person heard it, acknowledged it, and very deliberately did not return it in kind."
StickleyMan
I have said this to someone before...but I feel like it's better to be honest than say something so powerful that you don't mean.
Awkward, huh? You can't help who you fall in love with – but hopefully they will also reciprocate your emotions.
Have some suggestions of your own? Tell us more in the comments below!